Unbelievable Offer for the Dolphins: A Closer Look at Stephen Ross's Fortune
It's hard to fathom that Stephen Ross, the owner of the Miami Dolphins, has reportedly been offered a staggering $15 billion for his team (https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/stephen-ross-says-hes-turned-down-offers-of-close-to-15-billion-for-the-dolphins). But here's the twist: the same amount was recently offered for a different entity, PFT.
It's easy to see why people might be skeptical. After all, anyone can make bold claims about offers they've received, whether they're true or not. However, when it comes to the Dolphins, there's a more nuanced perspective. One source with inside knowledge questions the feasibility of such a high offer, considering the recent sale of the Commanders for just over $6 billion. A more plausible scenario suggests that Ken Griffin's offer to Ross was likely in the range of $10 billion to $11 billion, with the potential addition of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion if the Miami F1 race is included.
The crux of the matter lies in the power dynamics of team ownership. Ross, as the owner, has the ultimate say in what happens to his team. He didn't need to pass any tests or prove his worth; he simply needed to bring the biggest checkbook to the table. This dynamic is a common thread in the NFL, where fans are at the mercy of their owners. As Jed York, owner of the 49ers, once said, owners can't be fired, and their decisions often shape the team's trajectory.
The cycle of general manager and coach firings and hirings can be misleading. It suggests a level of accountability, but in reality, the true power lies with the owners. This power can lead to both success and failure, as fans are often stuck with the team they love, regardless of the owner's performance. They don't choose their teams based on ownership quality, and breaking free from loyalty is often not an option.
However, there's a catch. Just as there's no guarantee that a $15 billion offer would result in a successful team, there's no assurance that the next owner will fare any better. The lack of a test for ownership means that fans are left with the same old story, and the cycle of mediocrity continues. Despite the challenges, the owners, including Ross, continue to thrive financially, and the value of their teams keeps rising, leaving fans with little choice but to wait and hope for a change.
In the end, the story of Stephen Ross and the Dolphins highlights the complex relationship between ownership, luck, and the fate of fans. It's a tale that raises questions about the power dynamics in sports and the impact of financial decisions on the teams we love.
