who owns miami dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are majority‑owned by billionaire real estate developer Stephen M. Ross, who has been the controlling owner since 2009.
Majority Owner: Stephen M. Ross
Stephen M. Ross is the chairman and founder of Related Companies, a major U.S. real estate firm known for projects like Hudson Yards in New York City. He first invested in the Dolphins in February 2008 and became the managing general partner (effectively the majority owner) in early 2009, buying a controlling stake for about $1.2 billion.
Ross also controls Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, where the Dolphins play, and has poured hundreds of millions into stadium upgrades and surrounding entertainment complexes. As of early 2026, his net worth is estimated at around $15–18 billion, making him one of the richest owners in the NFL.
Minority Owners
While Ross holds the controlling interest, the Dolphins have a group of high‑profile minority owners, including:
- Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan (music legends and Miami icons)
- Marc Anthony (singer)
- Venus Williams and Serena Williams (tennis stars)
- Fergie (singer)
These minority stakes are relatively small, but they bring star power and deep Miami cultural ties to the franchise.
Recent Ownership Changes (2024)
In late 2024, the Dolphins made headlines by selling a 13% stake in the franchise to outside investors, marking a shift toward more institutional ownership. About 10% of that stake went to Ares Management, a large private equity firm, at a total team valuation of roughly $8.1 billion. This deal did not change Ross’s status as the controlling owner, but it brought in new financial partners.
Current Structure in 2026
As of early 2026:
- Controlling owner / Managing General Partner: Stephen M. Ross
- Team valuation: Around $8.1 billion (post‑2024 sale)
- Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium, also controlled by Ross’s group
- Key executives: Ross delegates football operations to the GM and coach, but he remains the ultimate decision‑maker on major moves like coaching hires and stadium/branding strategy.
So, in short: the Miami Dolphins are owned by Stephen M. Ross, with a small group of celebrity and investor minority partners.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.