Quick Facts: Miami Dolphins
| Current Owner | Stephen Ross |
| Ownership Type | Private |
| Full Control Since | 2008/2009 (50% stake from 2008) |
| Bought From | Wayne Huizenga |
| Owner’s Day Job | Founder & Chairman, Related Companies |
| Franchise Founded | 1966 |
| Stadium | Hard Rock Stadium (Ross-funded renovations) |
Who Owns the Miami Dolphins?
Stephen Ross has owned the Miami Dolphins since 2008, when he first bought a 50% stake from Wayne Huizenga before completing his purchase of full control shortly after.
Ross built his fortune as founder and chairman of Related Companies, one of the largest privately held real estate development firms in the United States, known for major urban projects including New York’s Hudson Yards development.
Since taking over, Ross has invested heavily in Hard Rock Stadium, funding major renovations that transformed the venue and helped it secure high-profile events including Super Bowls and, more recently, matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ross faced NFL scrutiny in 2022 over tampering allegations related to conversations with then-unsigned coaches and players, resulting in draft pick forfeitures and a fine, though he retained ownership of the team throughout the investigation.
Miami Dolphins Ownership History
| Year | Event | Owner / Key Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1966 | Franchise founded | Joe Robbie | AFL expansion team |
| 1972 | Perfect season, Super Bowl VII win | Joe Robbie | Only perfect season in NFL history |
| 1990 | Wayne Huizenga buys stake, later full control | Wayne Huizenga | Blockbuster/Waste Management founder |
| 2008–Present | Stephen Ross buys the team | Stephen Ross | Initial 50% stake, full control shortly after |
About Stephen Ross
Ross founded Related Companies in 1972, building it into one of the most influential real estate development firms in the country, responsible for projects like New York’s Hudson Yards and the Time Warner Center.
His investment in Hard Rock Stadium has been central to his Dolphins ownership strategy, positioning the venue to host marquee events well beyond just NFL games, including its selection as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host site.
Key Ownership Highlights
- The Dolphins remain the NFL’s only team with a perfect season: the 1972 championship team, won under founding owner Joe Robbie, decades before Ross’s ownership.
- Ross’s wealth comes from major urban real estate development: Related Companies’ projects, including Hudson Yards, fund his sports ownership.
- Stadium investment has been a defining feature of his tenure: renovations helped secure the venue’s spot as a World Cup host site for 2026.
- The 2022 tampering investigation resulted in real penalties: draft pick forfeitures and a fine, though Ross retained full ownership throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Miami Dolphins?
Stephen Ross, who has owned the team since 2008.
Who owned the Dolphins before Ross?
Wayne Huizenga, the Blockbuster and Waste Management founder.
What is Stephen Ross’s business background?
He founded Related Companies, a major real estate development firm behind projects like Hudson Yards.
Have the Dolphins ever had a perfect season?
Yes, in 1972, still the only perfect season (including playoffs) in NFL history.
Was Stephen Ross investigated by the NFL?
Yes, in 2022, over tampering allegations, resulting in draft pick forfeitures and a fine.
