Stephen Ross Nearing 13% Sale of Miami Dolphins, Other Assets for Mammoth $8.1 Billion
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is reportedly on the verge of a blockbuster deal that would see him sell a 13% stake in the NFL franchise, along with other assets, in a transaction valued at $8.1 billion. The deal, which has been under negotiation for some time, could represent one of the largest sales in sports ownership history, further solidifying Ross’s legacy as both a business magnate and a significant figure in American sports.
Ross, who has owned the Miami Dolphins since 2008, currently holds a 95% stake in the team through his real estate company, Related Companies. Under the terms of the proposed deal, he would sell a portion of his stake to a group of investors. While the identities of the buyers remain undisclosed, sources suggest they include high-profile individuals and investment groups eager to secure a piece of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.
The Dolphins, valued at around $4.6 billion according to Forbes, have seen their market worth soar under Ross’s ownership, thanks to the growing popularity of the NFL, lucrative broadcasting deals, and recent on-field success. The team is currently viewed as a strong playoff contender, with Ross heavily investing in both the roster and the modernization of Hard Rock Stadium, the team’s home.
However, the sale is not limited to the Dolphins. The report indicates that the transaction also includes shares in other assets owned by Ross, likely related to his vast real estate portfolio, which is anchored by properties in prime locations, including New York City’s Hudson Yards. This multi-asset deal is what pushes the total valuation of the transaction to the staggering $8.1 billion figure.
Ross, 83, has made no indication that he plans to fully step away from ownership of the Dolphins. The sale of a minority stake is seen as a way for him to diversify his investments while also bringing in new strategic partners. It is also viewed as a potential succession plan, positioning a new group of investors who could eventually take a larger role in the franchise’s future governance.
NFL rules allow owners to sell minority stakes without giving up control of the team, and Ross is expected to remain the primary decision-maker for the Dolphins even after the deal is completed. He has previously expressed his desire to keep the franchise within his family and recently confirmed that his nephew, Bruce Beal Jr., has been lined up as his successor should he ever choose to relinquish full ownership.
The reported sale comes at a time when NFL franchise values are soaring, driven by the league’s unparalleled broadcasting deals, growing international reach, and the inherent scarcity of NFL ownership opportunities. Recent sales of teams like the Denver Broncos, which sold for $4.65 billion in 2022, have demonstrated the immense financial appeal of owning an NFL team, making Ross’s stake highly sought after.
For Stephen Ross, this deal would further solidify his position as one of the wealthiest individuals in the U.S., while also allowing him to bring in partners that can help expand the Dolphins’ business and community initiatives. The sale is expected to generate widespread interest, not only in the sports world but across the business and financial sectors as well.
If the transaction is finalized as expected, it will be a landmark moment for the Miami Dolphins and for sports franchise ownership in general, representing one of the largest partial sales in NFL history and a reflection of the ever-growing value of professional sports teams.
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