Stephen Ross Receives $15 Billion Offers for Miami Dolphins

Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins, has disclosed that he has received offers nearing $15 billion for the NFL franchise. This figure marks a significant increase from the approximately $1 billion he paid to acquire the team in 2009. Ross emphasized the value of NFL teams, stating, “I don’t think there’s a better asset,” during an interview with Bloomberg News in Palm Beach, Florida. Despite the lucrative offers, he has no intention of selling the team, questioning where he would invest the proceeds if he did.

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Ross, 85, initially purchased a 50% stake in the Dolphins from Wayne Huizenga in 2008, completing the acquisition in 2009. His ownership has seen the team’s valuation soar, with Forbes estimating the Dolphins at $7.5 billion before the start of the 2025 NFL season, ranking them as the 11th most valuable team in the league. In 2024, Ross sold a 13% stake in the team, along with interests in the Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open, at an $8.1 billion valuation. His personal fortune is currently valued at $17 billion.

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Ross has indicated that he plans to pass ownership of the Dolphins to his son-in-law, Daniel Sillman, a 37-year-old sports executive. He believes that NFL team valuations will continue to rise, driven by the league's expanding media rights and competition from streaming platforms like Netflix, which aired two Christmas Day games last year.

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The Dolphins have faced challenges on the field, posting back-to-back losing seasons in the last two years. Following these struggles, the team is in search of a new head coach after parting ways with Mike McDaniel. This management change comes amid discussions about the team's future and its competitive standing in the league.

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While Ross remains optimistic about the team's value and future, some critics may question the sustainability of such high valuations, particularly in light of the Dolphins' recent performance. The disparity between the offers received and the team's current valuation raises questions about market dynamics and investor sentiment in the NFL.

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• “I don’t think there’s a better asset,” — Stephen Ross, Owner of the Miami Dolphins

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• “Pretty high numbers,” — Stephen Ross, Owner of the Miami Dolphins

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In summary, Stephen Ross's ownership of the Miami Dolphins has seen remarkable financial growth, with offers approaching $15 billion highlighting the franchise's soaring valuation. Despite recent on-field challenges, Ross's commitment to maintaining ownership reflects his belief in the long-term value of NFL teams.

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