SoFlaJets Posted February 22, 2008 Share Posted February 22, 2008 Huizenga to sell share of Dolphins Associated Press Updated: February 22, 2008, 4:07 PM EST New York builder Stephen Ross agreed to buy half the Miami Dolphins from owner Wayne Huizenga, with an opportunity to become managing general partner. Ross would acquire 50 percent of the franchise, Dolphin Stadium and surrounding developable land, the team said Friday. The NFL must approve the sale. The deal was first reported by FOXSports.com's Jay Glazer. Huizenga, the sole owner since 1994, would remain managing general partner for now of a team coming off a 1-15 season, the worst in franchise history. Ross is chairman of the Related Companies, an international real estate development company. His negotiations to buy a share of the team began last April and became public in December. Speculation about a deal faded when Huizenga hired Bill Parcells as executive vice president of football operations and pledged to remain majority owner. "I have always said that I wanted to bring in a partner, and I can't think of anyone more appropriate than Steve," Huizenga said in a statement. "He has unbridled enthusiasm, and I couldn't feel better about the future than I do with Steve as my partner and Bill Parcells running football operations." Ross and Huizenga were to hold a news conference later in the day. Ross, who has a home in Palm Beach, has been involved with sports before. He was a minority partner with the NHL's New York Islanders, and in 1990 he was part of a group interested in bringing baseball to Miami. Instead, Huizenga became founding owner of the Florida Marlins, then later sold the team. Huizenga also was the founding owner of the NHL's Florida Panthers, then sold that franchise. Football has always been Huizenga's first love, but the Dolphins haven't been to the AFC championship game since he became sole owner. They've failed to even make the playoffs since 2001 and last season lost their first 13 games. Still, for an investor, the Dolphins have plenty of appeal. Forbes Magazine last year valued the franchise at $942 million, with a revenue stream of about $215 million. The valuation makes the Dolphins the 15th-priciest NFL franchise. "Having grown up in South Florida, Dolphins football has been a lifetime passion for me," Ross said. "I am energized by this opportunity, and look forward to being able to once again watch the Dolphins win a Super Bowl alongside all the other loyal Dolphin fans." Ross would also become part-owner of a stadium that ranks among the NFL's best. Huizenga recently committed to spend about $250 million to upgrade the stadium, with the final phase of work to be completed by 2009. Huizenga, who turned 70 in December, bought the Dolphins from the heirs of team founder Joe Robbie for $138 million. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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