Rick Ross wants a piece of the Miami Dolphins, and he says he is not looking for a ceremonial celebrity role.
The rapper told TMZ Sports that he is serious about wanting an official ownership stake in the NFL team. Ross said he would not be the kind of celebrity investor who simply shows up for attention, arguing that he would work every day to help the franchise.
Ross made the pitch during an appearance with TMZ Sports’ Lucas Widman. He said he already has ties to the Dolphins but framed any ownership path as something he would have to earn over time.
Stephen M. Ross remains the team’s chairman and controlling owner, but the franchise has added limited investors in recent years.
Ross Said He Would Work for the Franchise
Ross told TMZ Sports that he would bring more than his name to the Dolphins. He said he would focus on strengthening the team’s relationship with local fans and making the organization feel more like a family.
Ross has built much of his public image around South Florida, from his music to his business ventures, and the Dolphins remain one of the region’s biggest sports brands.
TMZ reported that Ross praised Stephen Ross’ ownership, saying the Dolphins owner already has the business side covered. Rick Ross said his own role would be centered on culture, community and daily work around the franchise.
The Dolphins Recently Added Another Minority Investor
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The Dolphins have already opened the door to limited, non-controlling investors. In March, the team announced that Lin Bin, co-founder and vice chairman of Xiaomi, would acquire a 1% stake in the Miami Dolphins and Stephen Ross’ broader sports and entertainment portfolio.
The deal included the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open presented by Itaú. The team said the transaction valued the portfolio at $12.5 billion, calling it the highest valuation in professional sports.
The Associated Press reported that the NFL approved Lin’s minority, non-controlling stake on March 31 and that the deal was expected to close in the following days.
Even a Small Stake Would Cost Major Money
Lin’s 1% purchase shows the kind of money involved in buying even a small piece of the Dolphins. A $12.5 billion valuation would put a 1% stake at roughly $125 million before any additional deal terms, fees or structure.
The Dolphins also said other partners in Stephen Ross’ sports and entertainment portfolio include Ares Management, Joseph Tsai, Oliver Weisberg and Bruce Beal Jr., who is also vice chairman.
NFL ownership transactions involve league approval, a willing seller and the financial structure to complete the deal.