Stephen Ross Turns Down $15B Offer, Plans to Keep Dolphins in the Family

#Stephen Ross Turns Down $15B Offer, Plans to Keep Dolphins in the Family

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross revealed this week that he was presented with an eye-popping offer to sell the franchise—but chose to walk away.

Speaking during a recent interview, Ross confirmed he was offered nearly $15 billion to sell the Dolphins, a figure that would have shattered every previous NFL sale record. Despite the historic valuation, Ross made it clear that selling the team was never seriously considered.

Instead, Ross outlined a succession plan that keeps ownership within his family. His son-in-law, Daniel Sillman, is expected to take on a leading operational role in the organization, while Ross clarified that his daughters will ultimately be the designated successors of the franchise.

The comments arrive during a period of major transition for the Dolphins. Miami recently hired Jon-Eric Sullivan as its new general manager after parting ways with longtime executive Chris Grier earlier in the season. The team is also searching for a new head coach following the dismissal of Mike McDaniel after a disappointing 7–10 campaign.

On the roster side, uncertainty remains as well. Questions surround the long-term futures of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and star wide receiver Tyreek Hill heading into the 2026 season, adding further intrigue to an offseason already filled with change.

A potential sale would have introduced yet another layer of upheaval for the franchise, but Ross made it clear that—even with a record-setting offer on the table—ownership stability is a priority.

For context, Forbes valued the Dolphins at $7.5 billion in August, ranking them as the NFL’s 11th-most valuable franchise. That makes the reported $15 billion offer nearly double Miami’s most recent valuation. The Dallas Cowboys currently top Forbes’ list at $13 billion.

The NFL’s previous record sale came in 2023, when the Washington Commanders were sold for $6.05 billion. That benchmark may eventually be surpassed—but if Ross has his way, it won’t be by the Dolphins.

For now, Miami’s ownership remains firmly in the family, even as the organization enters a pivotal chapter on and off the field.