Rick Ross wants an ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins, and he says he is not seeking a ceremonial celebrity role. The Miami rapper told TMZ Sports on July 2, 2026, that he would work daily to strengthen the franchise’s ties to the local community, framing any path to ownership as something he would have to earn over time.
Key Takeaways
- Rick Ross told TMZ Sports on July 2, 2026, that he is serious about acquiring an official ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins.
- Rick Ross said he would focus on community engagement and fan relationships rather than serving as a passive celebrity investor.
- Stephen M. Ross remains the Miami Dolphins’ chairman and controlling owner, but the franchise has added limited, non-controlling investors in recent years.
- In March 2026, Xiaomi co-founder Lin Bin acquired a 1% stake in a deal that valued the Dolphins’ broader sports and entertainment portfolio at $12.5 billion.
What Did Rick Ross Say About Dolphins Ownership?
Rick Ross made his pitch during an appearance with TMZ Sports host Lucas Widman, distancing himself from the image of a celebrity investor who shows up only for attention. The rapper, born William Leonard Roberts II, said he would bring more than his name to the organization, describing a role centered on culture, community, and consistent day-to-day involvement rather than business operations.
Rick Ross indicated that his contribution would concentrate on deepening the Miami Dolphins’ relationship with local fans and making the organization feel more like a family. He credited current owner Stephen Ross with handling the business side of the franchise effectively, positioning his own potential role as complementary rather than competing. On whether he has laid any groundwork, Rick Ross said he already holds ties to the team but acknowledged that a genuine ownership path is something he would need to earn over time.
The interest is not entirely new. In May 2026, Rick Ross raised the idea during a SiriusXM Hip-Hop Nation conversation, telling host Gray Rizzy that buying a piece of the Miami Dolphins was on his radar while acknowledging he was not yet in a position to finance it. That same month, the Miami Dolphins featured Rick Ross in a lighthearted 2026 schedule-release video, seating him behind the owner’s desk to surprise players, a nod to the shared “Ross” surname and the rapper’s standing in the city.
Who Currently Owns the Miami Dolphins?
Stephen M. Ross remains the majority and controlling owner of the Miami Dolphins, a position he has signaled he intends to keep within his family. The founder of New York-based Related Companies purchased the team for $1 billion in 2009 and has stated that his son-in-law, Daniel Sillman, is next in line to lead the organization. That succession plan frames any new investment as minority and non-controlling by design.
The franchise has steadily brought in limited partners. In March 2026, the Miami Dolphins announced that Lin Bin, co-founder and vice chairman of Xiaomi, would acquire a 1% stake in the holding company that owns the team along with Hard Rock Stadium, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open. The Associated Press reported that the NFL approved the minority, non-controlling stake on March 31, 2026.
How Much Is a Dolphins Stake Worth?
The economics of any potential ownership role illustrate the scale involved. The Lin Bin transaction valued the combined portfolio at $12.5 billion, which the team described as a record valuation in professional sports. That 1% stake carried a price of roughly $125 million, according to reporting from The Real Deal and Local 10 News.
The figure marks a sharp climb from earlier benchmarks. The table below outlines recent valuation milestones tied to the Miami Dolphins.
| Transaction | Year | Implied Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Stephen Ross purchases Dolphins | 2009 | $1 billion |
| 13% minority stake sold | 2024 | $8.1 billion |
| Lin Bin acquires 1% stake | 2026 | $12.5 billion |
The Miami Dolphins have a history of high-profile minority partners, a group that has previously included tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and musicians Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Whether the team currently has equity available, and at what threshold, remains unconfirmed, leaving Rick Ross’s stated ambition well short of any formal arrangement.
Rick Ross has framed a Miami Dolphins ownership stake as a long-term goal built on community work rather than a completed deal, and any such move would require both available equity and league approval before it becomes reality.
FAQs
Does Rick Ross own part of the Miami Dolphins? No. Rick Ross has publicly expressed interest in acquiring an ownership stake, but he does not currently hold one, and no deal has been announced.
Who owns the Miami Dolphins? Stephen M. Ross is the majority and controlling owner. The franchise also includes limited, non-controlling investors added in recent years.
How much would a stake in the Dolphins cost? A 1% stake sold for roughly $125 million in March 2026, based on a $12.5 billion valuation of the team’s broader portfolio.
Has Rick Ross been involved with the Dolphins before? Yes. Rick Ross appeared in the team’s 2026 schedule-release video and has attended team activities, though these were promotional and community appearances rather than ownership roles.
Who was the most recent investor in the Dolphins? Xiaomi co-founder Lin Bin acquired a 1% stake, which the NFL approved on March 31, 2026.
