Current Owner and Purchase Details
The Miami Dolphins are owned by Stephen M. Ross, founder of Related Companies, who acquired the team in 2009 from Wayne Huizenga for a reported $1.1 billion, a transaction later confirmed by the NFL and reported by Forbes. Ross later increased his stake through additional investments in the franchise and related sports properties, while maintaining the Dolphins as the centerpiece of his sports portfolio alongside a minority stake in the New York Yankees.
The Dolphins have been valued at around $4.85 billion in the latest Forbes NFL team valuations, making them one of the more valuable franchises in the league. The franchise generates revenue from NFL media deals, ticket sales, and a growing suite of commercial partnerships anchored by Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Stadium Deal and Business Operations
Hard Rock Stadium serves as the home of the Dolphins and the Miami Hurricanes, and it also hosts the Orange Bowl, international soccer matches, and major concerts. The stadium underwent a significant renovation backed by public funding from Miami-Dade County, with the team contributing a portion of the cost in exchange for long-term lease extensions and expanded revenue rights.
Ross has diversified the Dolphins' business operations through hospitality and real estate ventures tied to the stadium district, including hotels, retail, and mixed-use development plans. The franchise also operates a scouting combine and training facilities in Florida that support year-round football operations and community engagement programs.
Ownership Structure and NFL Context
Stephen Ross controls the Dolphins through a holding entity, with the NFL requiring strict compliance with league ownership rules and financial integrity standards. The league's collective business model, including national media contracts and revenue sharing, shapes how individual owners like Ross generate returns from their franchises.
Under Ross's ownership, the Dolphins have pursued competitive roster upgrades and coaching hires while navigating the salary cap and NFL draft strategy. The franchise continues to rank among the top teams in NFL valuation growth, supported by a South Florida fan base and a brand that extends into merchandise, broadcasting partnerships, and community initiatives across Miami-Dade County.