The Miami Dolphins may be led by longtime owner Stephen Ross, but behind the scenes, a diverse and star-studded group of minority stakeholders has helped shape the franchise’s profile. From iconic musicians to tennis champions and private equity giants, the Dolphins’ ownership group is one of the most unique in professional sports.
Celebrity Stakeholders
In 2009, the Dolphins made headlines by welcoming a wave of celebrity investors. These included:
• Gloria and Emilio Estefan: The Grammy-winning power couple became the first Hispanic minority owners in NFL history. Their involvement represented a cultural milestone in a sport seeking broader representation.
• Marc Anthony: The international music star purchased a stake during his marriage to Jennifer Lopez. Though the couple later separated, Anthony retained his share in the team.
• Venus and Serena Williams: The legendary tennis sisters bought into the team in August 2009, becoming the first African-American women to hold ownership in an NFL franchise—a groundbreaking moment in league history.
• Fergie (Stacy Ann Ferguson): The Black Eyed Peas singer joined the ownership group later that year, adding further star power to the Dolphins’ ranks.
These high-profile additions brought significant attention to the team and helped position the Dolphins as one of the most culturally engaged franchises in the NFL.
Recent Institutional Investment
In December 2024, Ross sold a 13% minority interest in the Dolphins, ushering in a new era of institutional involvement:
• Ares Management: The Los Angeles-based private equity firm acquired a 10% stake, becoming one of the first private equity investors in an NFL team since league rules were relaxed to allow such investments.
• Joe Tsai and Oliver Weisberg: Best known for their ownership of the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, Tsai and Weisberg collectively purchased a 3% stake in the Dolphins. Their move further signifies growing crossover investment between major sports leagues.
Ross Still in Command
Despite these changes, Stephen Ross remains the principal figure at the top of the franchise, retaining an 84.5% controlling interest. His leadership continues to guide both the football and business operations of the Dolphins.
The Bigger Picture
The Dolphins’ evolving ownership structure reflects broader trends in the sports world—where celebrity influence, financial diversification, and institutional backing increasingly intertwine. With such a dynamic ownership mix, the Dolphins are uniquely positioned not just on the field, but in boardrooms and pop culture alike.
As the NFL continues to expand its global footprint, the Miami Dolphins are emerging as a model for what modern franchise ownership can look like.