Miami Dolphins’ Owner Stephen Ross Prioritizes Formula 1 Success Over NFL Team Performance
The Miami Dolphins are undergoing a significant overhaul, marked by key player departures, most recently star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was traded to the Denver Broncos. While the team navigates a rebuilding phase, owner Stephen Ross has sparked controversy by openly comparing the financial success of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix to the Dolphins’ season ticket sales – a comparison that doesn’t favor his NFL franchise. This comes as the Dolphins finished the 2025 season with a 7-10 record, leaving fans questioning the direction of the team.
Waddle Trade Signals a Modern Era in Miami
The trade of Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos on Tuesday is the latest in a series of moves signaling a shift in strategy for the Dolphins. According to reports, the Dolphins received a 2026 first-round pick, a third-round pick and a fourth-round pick in exchange for Waddle and a fourth-round pick. This trade, while providing valuable draft capital, removes a key offensive weapon from a team already facing questions about its future. The Broncos, who reached the AFC Championship Game last season, were criticized for their lack of activity in free agency before acquiring Waddle, suggesting they viewed him as a crucial piece to their championship puzzle.
Waddle, drafted sixth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, consistently produced impressive numbers during his time in Miami, with three 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his first five years. In 2025, despite inconsistent quarterback play from Tua Tagovailoa, he recorded 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns. His career totals include 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. The addition of Waddle is expected to bolster the Broncos’ offense, providing quarterback Bo Nix with another reliable target.
Ross’s Formula 1 Focus Raises Eyebrows
Adding fuel to the fire, Stephen Ross recently revealed a striking comparison between the revenue generated by the Miami International Autodrome, home of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Dolphins’ season ticket sales. Speaking to CNBC, Ross stated, “The Formula 1 was great… we sold more tickets for the three days than season tickets for the entire Dolphins season.”
This statement has drawn criticism from Dolphins fans, who experience it reflects a concerning shift in Ross’s priorities. Ross’s ownership has already faced scrutiny for perceived shortcomings in team performance, and this comparison appears to underscore those concerns. While the Dolphins boast a higher total attendance figure across all home games – exceeding 500,000 attendees in 2025 – the Formula 1 event generated approximately 270,000 attendees over a single weekend, proving more lucrative on a per-day basis.
The Bigger Picture: A Changing Landscape for NFL Owners
Ross’s comments highlight a broader trend of NFL owners diversifying their investments and, in some cases, prioritizing ventures outside of football. The increasing popularity and profitability of Formula 1, particularly in the United States, have attracted significant investment from wealthy individuals, including Ross. This shift raises questions about the long-term commitment of some owners to their NFL franchises and whether the league’s interests are being adequately served.
It’s critical to note that the Dolphins’ struggles on the field are multifaceted. The team’s 7-10 record in 2025 was a clear indication of the need for significant changes. The trade of Waddle, while providing draft capital, is a gamble that could either accelerate the rebuilding process or further hinder the team’s progress. The success of the Broncos with Waddle will undoubtedly be closely watched by Dolphins fans.
What’s Next for the Miami Dolphins?
The Dolphins now enter a crucial offseason focused on rebuilding through the draft and free agency. The team holds valuable draft picks acquired in the Waddle trade, which they will need to utilize effectively to address their needs at key positions. The quarterback situation remains a key question mark, and the team may explore options to upgrade from Tua Tagovailoa. The upcoming NFL Draft, scheduled to begin on April 29, 2026, will be a pivotal moment for the franchise.
Beyond the draft, the Dolphins will need to navigate the free agent market strategically, identifying players who fit their new vision and can contribute to a winning culture. The team’s coaching staff, led by head coach Mike McDaniel, will play a critical role in developing young players and implementing a cohesive game plan. The Dolphins’ next official team event is a pre-draft press conference scheduled for April 15, 2026, where McDaniel is expected to address the team’s offseason plans.
The situation in Miami serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics at play in the modern NFL, where financial considerations and external investments can sometimes overshadow the on-field product. Whether Stephen Ross can balance his diverse business interests with his commitment to the Dolphins remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the team is at a crossroads, and the decisions made in the coming months will shape its future for years to come.
