Chip & Joanna Gaines Surprise Fans With Newest Venture

Chip and Joanna Gaines are practically royalty in the home and garden industry, building on their massive success with HGTV’s “Fixer Upper” to create their Magnolia empire, which includes a cable network, magazine, retail merchandise, and tourist destination in Waco, Texas.

But their latest venture took many fans by surprise. On December 11, 2024, the Tahoe Knight Monsters — a minor league hockey team based in Stateline, Nevada — announced in a press release that the Gaines have become part owners of the team.

Hockey Team’s Fans Thrilled About Chip & Joanna Gaines Joining Ownership Group

Tahoe Knight Monsters

The Gaines aren’t the only members of the ownership team with star power. Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow and his wife, Demi, are also co-owners of the team.

“We are excited to have Chip and Jo join our ownership group,” Tebow said in a statement. “It is obvious they share our passion for giving back to the community and have a love of sports. We are blessed with an amazing group of partners, and Chip and Jo will certainly enhance this group.”

Fans of the team seemed pleasantly surprised by the announcement, sharing their excitement on the team’s Instagram post, including someone who wrote, “What?!?!?!? Awesome!”

Another fan chimed in, “This was not on my bingo card for 2024 lol but I like it!”

Others joked about the Gaines’ possible influence on the team, including someone who commented “Now we can use her recipes for our after parties :-)” and another who quipped, “Shiplap everywhere! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼”

Chip & Joanna Gaines Say They ‘Believe in the Magic of Sports’

While the Gaines’ investment in the Tahoe Knight Monsters may seem out of left field to some, the couple says the decision stems from their love of sports and family.

“As parents and lifelong sports fans, we’ve always believed in the magic of sports to connect people,” Chip said in the press release. “Jo and I are thrilled to join the Tahoe Knight Monsters family—it’s about camaraderie and the moments that stick with you long after the final whistle.”

Joanna added, “For us, this partnership is a chance to celebrate the joy of the game and be part of something that inspires people to cheer loud and make memories that last a lifetime.”

Chip in particular has been a lifelong sports fan, growing up playing baseball and becoming a huge supporter of the teams at his alma mater, Waco’s Baylor University.

He is also a big advocate for youth sports, teaming with Bobcat in July to restore a baseball field in his hometown and launch the Bobcat Park and Rec Makeover Contest, providing funds to other communities across the U.S. eager to improve their athletics facilities.