Serena Williams has proven herself to be a woman of extraordinary talent in various fields.
During her remarkable tennis career, she achieved unparalleled success, solidifying her status as one of the greatest female players with an impressive 23 Grand Slam victories and the unique distinction of completing a career Golden Slam in both singles and doubles competitions.
Although Williams has retired from professional tennis to focus on her family, her influence continues to be deeply felt. She has left her mark on the fashion industry, the film world, and even in sports. Beyond her dominance on the court, Williams has also established herself as a formidable force in generating wealth outside of tennis.
One of her notable business ventures is her ownership stake in the NFL. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, Florida, Williams has forged a special connection with the Miami Dolphins that sets her apart from other team owners.
Here’s a closer look at Serena Williams and her involvement with the Miami football franchise.
Is Serena Williams an Owner of the Dolphins?
Serena Williams holds a minority ownership position in the Dolphins.
In 2009, team owner Stephen Ross sold a portion of the team’s shares to Serena, her sister Venus, and several other celebrities.
“I am thrilled to be part of such a prestigious organization,” Serena expressed to People magazine at the time. “Having spent a significant part of my childhood in the area, being associated with a Miami cultural icon is a tremendous honor. We anticipate achieving numerous championships and great success together with the Miami Dolphins.”
Genius athletes that got into team ownership after retiring…
9️⃣ Serena & Venus Williams
Own a minority stake in the Miami Dolphins:
2009: $1B valuation
2023: $4.6B valuation1st African-American minority owners in NFL history. pic.twitter.com/p2cm3TOPYP
This moment was historic, as the Williams sisters became the first Black women to own a stake in an NFL team.
“We are delighted to welcome Venus and Serena as limited partners to the Dolphins,” Ross shared with People. “They are two of the most revered athletes globally and have become ambassadors for the sport of tennis. Their inclusion in our ownership group further demonstrates our commitment to engaging with and embracing the rich diversity that makes South Florida a multicultural jewel.”
What Percentage of the Dolphins Do the Williams Sisters Own?
Ross sold the Williams sisters a $10 million ownership share in the team, representing 1% of the team’s ownership. He extended similar offers to other celebrities, retaining the majority of ownership under his name.
Who is the Owner of the Dolphins?
Stephen M. Ross is the principal owner of the Dolphins, possessing 95% ownership of the team and Hard Rock Stadium.
When Ross initially divested stakes to celebrities, the Williams sisters, along with several other A-list celebrities, acquired part of the Miami franchise.
In addition to the tennis stars, notable personalities such as singer/actress Gloria Estefan, musician Emilio Estefan, actress Jenifer Lopez, singer Marc Anthony, and singer Fergie also invested in the NFL club. These individuals retain their ownership roles, with the exception of Lopez, who sold her share to Anthony following their divorce.
Dolphins Team Value
Forbes estimates the value of the Dolphins at $5.7 billion in 2024.