Xiaomi Co-Founder Buys 1% Stake in Miami Dolphins at Record Valuation

Lin Bin's $12.5 billion minority investment is the highest for a professional sports team.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:37pm

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Lin Bin, the co-founder and vice chairman of Chinese tech company Xiaomi, has purchased a 1% stake in the Miami Dolphins along with other assets belonging to owner Stephen Ross. The deal, which was approved by the NFL, values the Dolphins at a record $12.5 billion, the highest valuation for a minority transaction in professional sports.

Why it matters

This high-profile investment by a prominent Chinese tech executive highlights the growing global interest and value in professional sports franchises, especially those with additional revenue streams like stadiums and events. It also comes as the Dolphins are undergoing an organizational rebuild under new leadership.

The details

The minority, non-controlling interest sale includes the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, and the Miami Open tennis tournament. Bin, who co-founded Xiaomi in 2010 and previously worked at Microsoft and Google, said he is 'privileged to have the opportunity to invest' in the Dolphins' 'world-class' sports business.

  • The deal was approved by the NFL on Tuesday and is expected to close in the coming days.
  • Bin co-founded Xiaomi in 2010 after working as a software engineer at Microsoft and Google for over 15 years.

The players

Lin Bin

The co-founder and vice chairman of Chinese consumer electronics company Xiaomi, who is purchasing a 1% stake in the Miami Dolphins.

Stephen Ross

The owner of the Miami Dolphins, who has sold minority stakes in the team in recent years including to Ares Management funds and Brooklyn Nets owners Joe Tsai and Oliver Weisberg.

Jon-Eric Sullivan

The new general manager of the Miami Dolphins, hired as part of the team's organizational rebuild.

Jeff Hafley

The new head coach of the Miami Dolphins, hired as part of the team's organizational rebuild.

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What they’re saying

“I am privileged to have the opportunity to invest in the Miami Dolphins and the amazing sports business built by the great entrepreneur Stephen Ross. This world-class team operates not only the Dolphins but also the incredible Hard Rock Stadium and a host of renowned sporting events from Formula 1 racing to the Miami Open. As a huge sports fan, it's a wonderful investment and learning opportunity for me.”

— Lin Bin, Co-founder and Vice Chairman, Xiaomi

What’s next

The deal is expected to close in the coming days after receiving approval from the NFL.

The takeaway

This record-setting minority investment in the Miami Dolphins by a prominent Chinese tech executive underscores the growing global appeal and value of professional sports franchises, especially those with diversified revenue streams like stadiums and events. It also comes at a pivotal time for the Dolphins as they undergo a organizational rebuild under new leadership.