| Age | 82 |
| Occupation | Owner |
| Company | Miami Dolphins |
| Country | USA |
| Position Last Year | Down |
Stephen Ross, Chairman and Founder of Related Companies, is a transformative figure in American sports and real estate. A South Florida native and lifelong fan of the Miami Dolphins, Ross fulfilled a personal dream in 2008 when he became an investor in the team. By 2009, he assumed full leadership as managing general partner of both the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium.
Stephen Ross has infused the organisation with his vision of excellence on and off the field. He invested over $1 billion of private funds and transformed Hard Rock Stadium into a premier global entertainment hub. This revitalised venue now hosts marquee events, including Super Bowl LIV, College Football Playoff National Championships, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.
His $135 million investment in the Baptist Health Training Complex—featuring cutting-edge amenities and training facilities—has also elevated the team’s infrastructure. These efforts earned the Dolphins the NFLPA’s top ranking for overall player experience in 2024.
Ross’s focus extends beyond the field. He created the Dolphins Business Combine to support players’ professional growth and has donated over $75 million to cancer research through the Dolphins Cancer Challenge. He launched a $4 million food relief program during the pandemic, helping thousands in need.
In sports innovation, Ross brought the Miami Open tennis tournament to Hard Rock Stadium and orchestrated El Clásico Miami—the highest-grossing soccer match in U.S. history. As the driving force behind the Miami Grand Prix, Ross has generated over $1 billion in economic impact for South Florida since 2022.
Deeply committed to social impact, Ross founded RISE (Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality), which ESPN recognised for advancing racial equity through sports. His Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program fosters diversity and inclusion throughout South Florida.
A proud University of Michigan alumnus, Ross has pledged to donate over half of his estate to philanthropic causes, cementing his legacy as a builder not just of stadiums, but of communities.