Amid Stephen Ross’ Minority Stake Sale, $6 Billion Dolphins Raise $12M+ in Philanthropy Event for Cancer Research

This had been going on since November. Miami Dolphins minority owner Stephen Ross has announced wanting to sell some of his stake in the franchise. But fast forward to February, and he still hasn’t done it. The billionaire real estate developer recently reiterated his intention to sell some of the Miami Dolphins. “I’m looking at now to monetize a portion of it,” he said at the FII Priority event in Miami Beach. “I never dreamed we’d be so fast at the valuations that are out there today.”

The Dolphins’ valuation touched $6 billion. But the team also wants to give back to society in a big way. And their recently concluded event is a testament to that.

Dolphins raise millions for cancer research

The squad hosted their 14th Annual Dolphins Challenge Cancer event. It’s a fundraising initiative aimed at supporting cancer research. The event, which brought together members of the organization and the local community, featured prominent Dolphins figures. DL Christian Wilkins, OLB Jaelan Phillips, and HC Mike McDaniel were among them.

The event included a bike ride and run, with McDaniel and Ross addressing the crowd before the 5k run. This year, they raised over $12 million this past weekend and saw participation upwards of 6,700. Notably, in 2020, the Dolphins made a historic $75 million commitment to the cancer center, marking the largest known charitable pledge ever made by a sports team.

Since its establishment in 2010, the DCC has raised over $64 million for the University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. It is the sole National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in South Florida. With this, they’ve attained a critical goal.

Dolphins two years ahead on this goal

Under the banner of “One Team, One Fight,” DCC XIV outpaced last year’s numbers in participant count and funds raised for cancer research, surpassing the $10.5 million mark set in 2023. Spearheaded by the Dolphins, this annual initiative is the NFL’s foremost fundraising event, with all donations directed toward Sylvester. “We are two years ahead of schedule on our commitment to raise $75 million,” said Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

Speaking of Ross, he might sell his stake, but two others aren’t. The Williams sisters are also minority owners of the franchise. In 2009, the Miami-based franchise appointed the Williams sisters as ambassadors. Each sister holds a 0.5% ownership stake in the team. “We are thrilled to have Venus and Serena join the Dolphins as limited partners,” said Ross in 2009.

“Having spent so much of my childhood in the area, being involved with a staple of Miami culture is a huge honor,” said Serena in 2009. Their valuation has soared six times in 15 years. Unfortunately, this success hasn’t been replicated in the field.

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