RICK LAGINA’S Crew Just Got PAID From Oak island

The Real Treasure of Oak Island: What Lies Beneath—and Who’s Funding the Hunt?

For over a decade, History Channel viewers have been captivated by the ongoing saga of The Curse of Oak Island, where brothers Marty and Rick Lagina search for a legendary treasure hidden off the coast of Nova Scotia. The island, shrouded in mystery and rumor, has long been associated with the Knights Templar, pirate lore, and even royal secrets. But while the world watches them dig season after season, many have begun to wonder—how much treasure have they already found? And more importantly, how are they still funding this massive, years-long search?

From Childhood Dream to National Obsession

The Lagina brothers’ obsession with Oak Island started in the 1960s when Rick discovered an article in Reader’s Digest about the mysterious “money pit” on the island. That article planted a seed in their imaginations, one that would grow into a lifelong quest. By 2006, with their own funds and a group of trusted friends and investors, the brothers bought into Oak Island Tours Inc., gaining partial ownership of the island and officially launching what would become one of the most famous treasure hunts in modern history.

The Men Behind the Mystery

Marty Lagina

A pragmatic engineer and savvy businessman, Marty sold his company, Terra Energy, for a reported $58–60 million before diving into the treasure hunt. He’s also the founder of Heritage Sustainable Energy, a company focused on renewable energy. Between his business ventures—including Mari Vineyards in Michigan—and his role as executive producer of The Curse of Oak Island, Marty’s estimated net worth is close to $100 million. The show alone brings in substantial income, with reports suggesting the brothers earn around $100,000 per episode.

Rick Lagina

Rick, the older of the two, is more driven by passion than profit. A former U.S. postal worker, Rick brings an old-school sense of honor and determination to the search. He may not have the financial background of his brother, but his belief in the legend has been the backbone of the Oak Island team for nearly two decades.

Craig Tester

A longtime friend and business partner of Marty, Craig is a mechanical engineer and co-founder of Terra Energy. He now serves as VP of Heritage Sustainable and uses his expertise in earth scanning and drilling to guide the team’s operations. With extensive involvement in the show and several business ventures, Craig’s estimated net worth ranges from $80–90 million.

Alex Lagina

Marty’s son Alex is following closely in his father’s footsteps. A University of Michigan engineering grad, Alex plays a key role in the team’s strategies and has appeared in nearly 100 episodes. He also manages the family vineyard and is involved in real estate investments. His net worth is estimated at up to $50 million.

The Crew Beyond the Brothers

• Jack Begley, stepson of Craig Tester, has been a part of the dig team from the beginning and is often seen on-site performing hands-on tasks. A producer on the show and founder of Remote Energy Solutions, Jack is estimated to be worth between $3 and $10 million.

• Gary Drayton, the show’s metal detecting expert from England, is known for his signature phrases and exciting finds, including a lead cross possibly linked to the Templars. With over 150 episodes under his belt, Gary has also authored books and discovered valuable artifacts on his own, putting his net worth at around $1–3 million.

• Charles Barkhouse, the show’s historian and a tour guide on the island, has investigated Oak Island for over 50 years. A Freemason and self-proclaimed Knight Templar, Charles has become a fan favorite. He earns income from the show, guided tours, and book sales, with a net worth estimated at $2–3 million.

• Laird Niven, the team’s lead archaeologist, provides vital historical context for each discovery. He is also the founder of the internationally recognized Cultural Heritage Research Group. With his private company valued at around $22 million, Laird’s personal net worth may exceed $4–5 million.

Funding the Hunt—and the Theories

While it’s clear the team is passionate about their mission, it’s also true that the treasure hunt is a highly profitable media venture. In addition to TV revenue, merchandise, speaking engagements, and tourism—such as the sold-out Salty Dog Sea Tours—have all added to the crew’s income streams.

Theories continue to swirl about what’s really buried beneath Oak Island—from pirate treasure belonging to Captain Kidd, to Templar secrets, to Spanish gold. But after 11 seasons, many fans have started questioning whether the treasure is even real—or if the real gold is in the ratings.

Some critics have speculated that the discoveries on the show are staged or exaggerated for TV. Despite accusations of “planted evidence” or convenient cliffhangers, the Laginas insist they are still driven by their original dream. Whether or not a massive treasure lies buried beneath Oak Island, the brothers’ dedication—and business savvy—have already paid off handsomely.

The Treasure May Be Elusive, But the Legacy Is Real

Despite the lack of a definitive treasure chest, The Curse of Oak Island has unearthed something more valuable: a worldwide audience fascinated by mystery, history, and the enduring quest for discovery. As long as there’s dirt to dig and questions to answer, the Laginas and their crew will keep searching—and we’ll keep watching.