Miami Dolphins Valued at $12.5B as Xiaomi Billionaire Buys Stake | NFL Record
MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins’ valuation soared to a record $12.5 billion after Xiaomi co-founder Lin Bin agreed to purchase a one percent stake in the team’s holding company, a deal announced on . The transaction encompasses not only the NFL franchise but also Hard Rock Stadium, the Formula One Miami Grand Prix, and a portion of the Miami Open tennis tournament.
The investment by Bin, also the vice chairman of the consumer electronics firm Xiaomi, surpasses the previous high valuation for an NFL team, set last year when Julia Koch acquired a ten percent stake in the New York Giants for $10 billion. According to Sportico, Bin is now a limited shareholder in the entity controlling these significant South Florida assets.
This move continues a trend of minority stake sales by Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, who purchased the franchise for $1 billion in 2009. In December 2024, Ares Management secured a ten percent stake, the maximum allowable for a private equity firm under NFL regulations. Further bolstering Ross’s investment group, Brooklyn Nets majority owner Joseph Tsai and minority Nets shareholder Oliver Weisberg jointly acquired a three percent stake, valuing the Dolphins at $8.1 billion at that time.
Despite these sales, Ross has publicly stated his commitment to long-term ownership. Bloomberg reported earlier this year that he rejected offers for the team approaching $15 billion, signaling a firm stance against relinquishing control. The current transaction allows Ross to unlock equity in the franchise while retaining majority ownership.
Lin Bin’s personal wealth, estimated by Forbes at $10.5 billion, stems from his role in establishing Xiaomi in 2010, following prior experience at both Google and Microsoft. Xiaomi held the third-highest market share in the global smartphone market as of 2025, according to research firm Counterpoint.
The NFL’s finance committee has reportedly approved Bin’s purchase, with a full vote by team owners scheduled for . Approval is widely expected, paving the way for Bin to join the league’s ownership ranks.
The escalating valuations of NFL franchises reflect the league’s continued growth in revenue and popularity. The current climate makes full acquisitions increasingly improbable, requiring immense capital or well-funded consortiums. Minority stake sales offer a viable alternative for owners seeking to capitalize on their team’s rising value without ceding control.
This investment arrives at a pivotal moment for the NFL, as the league prepares for upcoming media rights negotiations. The NFL possesses a clause allowing it to opt-out of its current $110 billion, 11-year broadcast deals with Amazon, CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBC after the 2029 season. Anticipating a substantial increase in earnings, the league is exploring options, including potential bids from companies like YouTube for live game rights. Investors like Bin stand to benefit from any significant gains in media revenue.
The Dolphins’ holding company structure, encompassing not only the football team but also premier events like the Formula One Miami Grand Prix and the Miami Open, adds further value to the franchise. This diversified portfolio provides multiple revenue streams and enhances the overall appeal of the investment.
The trend of tech executives and global investors entering the NFL ownership landscape underscores the league’s expanding international reach and its appeal as a stable, high-growth investment opportunity. Bin’s acquisition represents the latest example of this phenomenon, signaling continued interest from prominent figures in the global business community.