Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, has announced his succession plan, stating that his son-in-law, Daniel Sillman, will take over the reins of the organization. In an interview with Bloomberg, Ross confirmed that Sillman, who has a strong background in sports and business, is poised to lead the team in the future.
Sillman, currently the CEO of Relevant, a company focused on live soccer events and media rights, has been involved in the sports industry for several years. He previously worked for Ross at RSE Ventures, a private equity firm, prior to marrying Ross’s daughter. This family connection is central to Ross’s decision, as he aims to keep the Dolphins within the family.
During the interview, Ross revealed that he has turned down offers approaching $15 billion for the Dolphins, which includes the Hard Rock Stadium and the Formula One racetrack. He expressed a commitment to maintaining family control over the team, with Sillman and his two daughters expected to play significant roles in its future management.
Sillman has proven his capabilities in the sports business arena. Notably, he negotiated a landmark $1.4 billion media rights deal with ESPN for La Liga in 2021 and secured a 15-year joint venture to promote the Spanish league in North America. His expertise in media rights and sports marketing is viewed as a significant asset for the Dolphins.
In addition to his impressive credentials, Sillman has been actively involved in the Dolphins’ organizational decisions, including the hiring of the new general manager and the ongoing search for a head coach. Fans of the Dolphins may find reassurance in Sillman’s familiarity with the professional sports landscape.
The interview also touched on potential buyers for the Dolphins, with hedge-fund manager Ken Griffin being a notable figure in this regard. Griffin has made multiple attempts to acquire the team, with offers that reportedly sparked Ross’s consideration of selling. Although Griffin’s attempts to purchase a minority stake in the Dolphins fell through in 2023, he is still regarded as a serious contender for any future sale.
While Ross did not provide a timeline for his departure from ownership, the plan to transition control to Sillman indicates a clear path forward for the franchise. This familial succession highlights Ross’s desire to maintain the Dolphins as a legacy for his family while ensuring that experienced leadership remains at the helm.
With Sillman’s extensive background in sports media and his close ties to the Dolphins, the organization appears poised for a new chapter under his leadership. The combination of his professional acumen and familial ties suggests that the Dolphins could continue to thrive in the competitive landscape of professional sports.
