Xiaomi Cofounder Invests in Miami Dolphins at $12.5B Valuation

Lin Bin, the billionaire cofounder of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, buys 1% stake in the NFL team's holding company.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Lin Bin, the billionaire cofounder of Chinese internet company Xiaomi, has agreed to purchase a 1% stake in the Miami Dolphins football team's holding company at a valuation of $12.5 billion. This deal makes Lin the latest tycoon from Asia to invest in a major sports franchise, following in the footsteps of other tech and business leaders who have acquired stakes in teams like the Brooklyn Nets, Leicester City, and Valencia.

Why it matters

The $12.5 billion valuation for the minority stake is a record, highlighting the surging value of professional sports franchises, particularly in the NFL. This investment by a prominent Chinese tech executive also reflects the growing global appeal and commercialization of American football.

The details

Lin Bin, who holds U.S. citizenship but continues to serve as Xiaomi's vice chairman, has a net worth of $10.5 billion that is largely derived from his stake in the Hong Kong-listed tech company. The $12.5 billion valuation for the 1% stake in the Dolphins' holding company sets a new high watermark for a minority transaction in professional sports. Prior to this deal, billionaire Julia Koch acquired a 10% stake in the New York Giants at a $10 billion valuation.

  • The deal was first reported by Sportico on March 4, 2026.
  • Last year, in 2024, the Miami Dolphins was valued at $8.1 billion when its billionaire majority owner Stephen Ross sold a 13% stake to investors.

The players

Lin Bin

The billionaire cofounder of Chinese internet giant Xiaomi, who has agreed to buy a 1% stake in the Miami Dolphins football team's holding company.

Xiaomi

The Chinese internet company co-founded by Lin Bin, which has been making inroads in China's electric vehicle market while also selling smartphones.

Stephen Ross

The billionaire majority owner of the Miami Dolphins, who sold a 13% stake in the team in 2024 at an $8.1 billion valuation.

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The takeaway

This investment by a prominent Chinese tech executive reflects the growing global appeal and commercialization of the NFL, as well as the surging valuations of professional sports franchises, particularly in the United States.