1st August 2026 – (New York) Joseph C. Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group, and his wife Clara Wu Tsai have confirmed they are ending their marriage after nearly 30 years together, describing the decision as mutual and respectful.
In a statement released through their representative, the couple said they had jointly agreed to part ways on amicable terms. Over time, their relationship had evolved into a close partnership centred on raising their three children and managing an extensive portfolio of business and philanthropic interests. Although they have grown apart personally, they intend to maintain a strong professional alliance.
The couple married in New York in October 1996. Now aged 62, Mr Tsai resides in Hong Kong, while Ms Wu Tsai, 60, is based in the United States. Throughout their marriage, they have been prominent figures in both the corporate and charitable spheres, supporting educational, cultural and community initiatives alongside their commercial ventures.
Their separation will not affect their joint business holdings. Mr Tsai will continue as chairman of Alibaba Group, the technology giant he co-founded in 1999, and there are no plans to sell any shares in the company as a result of the divorce. According to the latest Forbes ranking of Hong Kong’s 50 richest individuals for 2026, he holds an estimated net worth of US$14.2 billion, placing him eighth on the list.
The pair will also retain their respective leadership roles within Brooklyn Sports and Entertainment. Mr Tsai remains governor of the Brooklyn Nets, while Ms Wu Tsai continues as governor of the New York Liberty. Both will keep their positions as chairman and vice-chair of the holding company, and operations of the franchises are not expected to change. The couple acquired full ownership of the Nets and Liberty in 2019 in a landmark US$2.35 billion transaction, then the most expensive deal for a U.S. sports franchise.
Their spokesperson emphasised that they remain committed to their shared philanthropic and community work and will continue collaborating in the interests of their family, businesses and wider communities.
Mr Tsai has been a central figure at Alibaba since its founding, serving previously as chief financial officer and later executive vice-chair before assuming the chairmanship. A Yale graduate with degrees in economics, East Asian studies and law, he is also admitted to the New York State Bar and sits on the board of Ant Group, an affiliate of Alibaba.