The Miami Heat is a professional basketball franchise in the NBA, based in Miami, Florida. Established in 1988 as an expansion team, it competes in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division and plays its home games at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami. The franchise has become one of the NBA’s most successful teams, known for its three championship titles (2006, 2012, 2013) and passionate fan base.
Ownership Status of the Miami Heat
The Miami Heat is a privately owned franchise. Since 1995, the team has been controlled by Micky Arison, who serves as the Managing General Partner and Majority Owner. Under his leadership, the franchise has grown into a globally recognized brand, consistently ranking among the top NBA teams in value and performance. While there are some minority investors, Arison remains the primary decision-maker and controlling stakeholder. In 2024, investor Josh Kushner acquired a small minority stake, but this did not affect Arison’s majority control.
Major Shareholders / Owners
Because professional sports franchises are not required to publicly detail every ownership percentage like publicly traded companies, the exact, up-to-date breakdown of all minority holdings is typically not disclosed. What we know:
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Micky Arison | Majority owner (controlling) | Acquired controlling interest in 1995; still in charge. |
| Minority / unnamed partners | Minority ownership interests | Some reports of secondary stakes (e.g., 2024 stake) but not altering control. |
Note: Because the team is privately held (not publicly traded), many of these minority stakes are not fully disclosed.
About Micky Arison
Micky Arison, born on June 29, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, is an Israeli-American businessman and the son of Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Lines. Micky joined the family business early and became CEO of Carnival Corporation in 1979, later assuming the role of Chairman in 1990.
Under his leadership, Carnival grew into the world’s largest cruise operator. In 1995, he took over as the majority owner of the Miami Heat, a move that expanded his influence beyond the cruise industry into the world of sports. Arison is widely credited for shaping the Heat into a modern basketball powerhouse, overseeing major successes during the Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra eras and bringing in superstar players like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh during the iconic “Big Three” era.
His leadership style emphasizes long-term stability, loyalty, and a commitment to excellence, which has helped sustain the team’s strong reputation both on and off the court.
Micky Arison Net Worth
As of 2025, Micky Arison’s net worth is estimated to be around $8.6 billion, according to Forbes. Most of his wealth comes from his ownership stake in Carnival Corporation & plc, which remains one of the most valuable companies in the travel and leisure sector.
His investment in the Miami Heat adds significant prestige and diversification to his portfolio. Arison has consistently ranked among the richest NBA owners, and his financial stability has allowed the franchise to maintain top-tier facilities, attract elite talent, and remain competitive across multiple NBA seasons. His combination of business acumen and passion for the game continues to drive the Miami Heat’s success story.
FAQs
Who is the current owner of the Miami Heat?
The current owner and managing general partner is Micky Arison.
Is the Miami Heat publicly traded or privately owned?
It is a privately held franchise, not listed on any stock exchange.
Who founded the Miami Heat?
The Heat was founded in 1988, with Ted Arison as part of the original ownership group.
Has the ownership changed recently?
No major change. A small minority stake was sold in 2024, but Micky Arison remains the controlling owner.
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