[5] In 1983, Nelson joined Narragansett Capital, a private equity firm, where he was a managing director.

[7] He was dubbed the "stealth mogul" by The New York Times for keeping a low profile despite his firm's substantial media holdings.

[10] Nelson is on the boards of the Chernin Group, MLS Media, the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, Television Broadcasts Ltd and Univision Communications.

he has also been a director of Eircom Plc, Hulu, Language Line, MetroNet (now AT&T Canada), VoiceStream Wireless (now Deutsche Telekom), Warner Music Group, (now Alltel Wireless) and Yankees Entertainment & Sports Network.

[14][15] As of January 2025, these professorships are held by the mathematician Brendan Hassett[16] and the philosopher Paul Guyer.