The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team based in Miami Gardens, Florida. They compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the league’s AFC East division. The Dolphins were established in 1966 by founders Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas, becoming the first major league football team in the state of Florida.
The team is well known for its historic success in the 1970s under head coach Don Shula, especially for achieving the NFL’s only perfect season in 1972, finishing 17–0 and winning Super Bowl VII.
As of 2025, the Miami Dolphins play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium, which is also owned by the team. The franchise is valued among the most valuable in the NFL, with millions of fans across the U.S. and globally.
Ownership Status of Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are privately owned, with no public stockholders. The current owner is Stephen M. Ross, a billionaire real estate developer and philanthropist.
Ross first acquired a minority stake in the team in 2008 and later became the majority owner in 2009, purchasing 95% of the franchise and the stadium from then-owner Wayne Huizenga.
Major Ownership Details
| Owner / Entity | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen M. Ross | 95% | Principal owner since 2009, chairman of Related Companies (real estate). |
| Minority partners | 5% | Includes celebrities and investors with small stakes (e.g., Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Lopez, and others have been linked at various times). |
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Stephen M. Ross is the controlling owner, having invested billions into upgrading Hard Rock Stadium and enhancing the Dolphins’ brand.
- He is also the chairman and founder of Related Companies, a global real estate development firm best known for projects like Hudson Yards in New York City.
- While there are celebrity minority stakeholders, Ross maintains decision-making power over the franchise.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In recent years, Ross has continued to invest in both team performance and stadium improvements, positioning the Dolphins as a competitive NFL franchise.
- There have been occasional rumors about ownership succession, but as of 2025, Ross remains the official owner. Reports suggest that ownership could eventually transfer to his family or trusted partners in the future.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Miami Dolphins?
The current owner is Stephen M. Ross, who owns 95% of the franchise.
2. When did Stephen Ross buy the Miami Dolphins?
Ross became the majority owner in 2009, after initially acquiring a minority stake in 2008.
3. Is the Miami Dolphins team publicly traded?
No, the Dolphins are a privately owned franchise, not publicly traded.
4. Who founded the Miami Dolphins?
The team was founded in 1966 by Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas.
5. Are there celebrity owners of the Miami Dolphins?
Yes, small minority stakes have been held by celebrities such as Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez (past or present).
6. Has the ownership of the Dolphins changed recently?
No major change has occurred recently. Stephen Ross remains the controlling owner as of 2025.