Stephen Ross Net Worth (Updated 2024)

What is Stephen Ross’ Net Worth?

Stephen Ross, the billionaire real estate developer and owner of the Miami Dolphins, has an estimated net worth of $10.1 billion. The majority of Ross’s wealth stems from his position as chairman and founder of Related Companies, a global real estate development firm he established in 1972. Related Companies has grown into a powerhouse in the industry, with a portfolio valued at over $60 billion.

The company’s extensive holdings include luxury condominiums, affordable housing, and high-profile commercial properties such as the Hudson Yards development in New York City.

In addition to his real estate empire, Ross owns 95% of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, which contributes significantly to his overall wealth. He also has stakes in other businesses, including Equinox Fitness Clubs and SoulCycle. Through his private investment firm, RSE Ventures, Ross has invested in various startups and companies in the sports, entertainment, and hospitality sectors.

Here’s the breakdown of Stephen Ross’ net worth:

Name:	Stephen Ross
Net Worth:	$10.1 Billion
Date of Birth:	May 10, 1940
Profession:	Businessperson

If you’re curious about how we estimate a celebrity’s net worth, you can check out our methodology here.

Early Life and Education

Stephen Ross was born on May 10, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan into a Jewish family. He attended Mumford High School in Detroit before transferring to Miami Beach Senior High School.

Ross went on to study at the University of Florida for two years before completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1962.

Continuing his education, Ross obtained a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School in 1965 and a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 1966. These advanced degrees were financed through a loan from his uncle, businessman Max Fisher, whom Ross has cited as his most important role model and inspiration.

Career Beginnings

Ross began his professional career as a tax attorney at Coopers & Lybrand in Detroit. In 1968, he moved to New York City and took a position as an assistant vice president in the real estate subsidiary of Laird Inc. He then worked in the corporate finance department of Bear Stearns.

In 1972, Ross was fired from Bear Stearns after clashing with a superior. With $10,000 borrowed from his mother, he utilized his federal tax law knowledge to organize deals for wealthy investors, allowing them to shelter income through federal incentives for affordable housing construction.

This venture proved highly successful, with Ross earning $150,000 in his first year and setting the stage for his future real estate empire.

The Related Companies

In 1972, Stephen Ross founded Related Companies, which would become the cornerstone of his vast wealth. Initially focused on affordable housing development, Related Companies has since grown into a global real estate powerhouse under Ross’s leadership.

Today, Related Companies has a portfolio valued at over $60 billion, comprising mixed-use, residential, retail, office, and affordable properties in prime markets. The company is known for developing high-profile projects like the Time Warner Center and the $25 billion Hudson Yards development in New York City, the latter being the largest private-sector development in U.S. history.

Miami Dolphins

In 2008, Stephen Ross purchased 50% of the Miami Dolphins NFL team, including the stadium and surrounding land, for $550 million. The following year, he acquired an additional 45% of the team for $450 million, bringing his total investment to $1 billion. This acquisition has proven to be a significant asset in Ross’s portfolio.

As of September 2019, the Miami Dolphins franchise was valued at $2.76 billion, representing a substantial increase in value since Ross’s initial investment. In 2024, Ross made headlines when he reportedly turned down a $10 billion offer for the Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium, and the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix. This decision underscores both the increasing value of NFL franchises and Ross’s long-term commitment to the team.

Ross’s ownership of the Dolphins has not only contributed to his net worth but has also provided him with a platform for philanthropic efforts.

Under his leadership, the Dolphins organization has raised over $32.5 million for local cancer research and has been actively involved in youth football programs and community initiatives.

Philanthropy

Stephen Ross is renowned for his extensive philanthropic efforts, particularly in the fields of education, healthcare, the arts, and urban sustainability. He is the largest donor in the history of the University of Michigan, having contributed a total of $478 million to his alma mater.

His donations have supported the Ross School of Business, athletic facilities, scholarships, and the construction of the Detroit Center for Innovation. In 2013, Ross made a historic $200 million donation to the university, split equally between the business school and the athletic department.

Ross’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond education. He has pledged over $100 million to the World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, which focuses on creating resilient and sustainable urban areas.

In addition, he founded the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality (RISE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting racial equality and social justice through sports. In 2013, Ross joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate more than half of his wealth to charitable causes.

Politics

Stephen Ross has been an active participant in the political arena, primarily supporting Republican candidates and causes. He has made significant contributions to various political campaigns and super PACs. For instance, Ross was a major donor to the Common Sense NYC super PAC, which played a pivotal role in the 2021 New York City Council primaries by opposing progressive candidates and supporting more moderate ones.

Despite his Republican leanings, Ross has also supported some Democratic candidates, reflecting a degree of bipartisanship in his political engagements.

Ross’s political activities have occasionally sparked controversy. In 2019, he faced backlash for hosting a high-profile fundraiser for President Donald Trump, which led to public outcry and boycotts of some of his businesses, such as Equinox and SoulCycle.

Personal Life

Stephen Ross has been married twice and has four children. His first marriage produced two children, and in 2004, he married Kara Ross, a former model and fashion designer. The couple divorced in 2021 after 18 years of marriage.

Ross resides in New York City and is known for his active lifestyle, which includes golfing, boating, and exercising. He lives and works in the Time Warner Center, although he put his 8,500-square-foot penthouse on the market in 2019. 

Despite his immense wealth and success, Ross remains deeply connected to his roots and has made significant contributions to his hometown of Detroit, including efforts to revitalize the city and support local education initiatives.