The Miami Dolphins are entering a pivotal stretch, but the biggest headline around the franchise isn’t about wins or roster moves. Instead, it is about revenue, attendance, and a surprising comparison from the very top.
Owner Stephen Ross recently put it plainly, and his comments revealed a growing gap between the NFL product in Miami and another global sports giant sharing the same venue.
Stephen Ross Highlights Formula 1’s Growing Dominance Over Miami Dolphins
Speaking with CNBC’s Andrew Ross Sorkin, Ross did not dodge the question when asked about Formula 1’s financial impact compared to his NFL team. “I think you made more money on F1 than the Dolphins. Am I wrong?” Sorkin asked.
Ross responded bluntly, “F1 has been great… We get more attendance for F1 races for three days than the entire (Dolphins) season tickets that we sold.”
That statement carries weight. While the Dolphins host eight regular-season home games each year, a single three-day Formula 1 weekend at Hard Rock Stadium is drawing more total attendance than the team’s entire season-ticket base.
The comparison highlights a shift in how fans consume live sports in Miami. The Miami Grand Prix has quickly become a global spectacle since its debut in 2022, blending racing, entertainment, and celebrity culture into a premium event. That formula is clearly working.
CNBC’s Andrew Sorkin: Andrew Sorkin: “I think you made more money on F1 than the Dolphins. Am I wrong?”
Steve Ross: “F1 has been great … We get more attendance for F1 races for three days than the entire (Dolphins) season tickets that we sold.”
— Dave Hyde (@davehydesports) March 19, 2026
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are navigating a different reality. The franchise is in the middle of a massive rebuild, with reports suggesting roughly $175 million in dead money on the books. General Manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley are trying to reset the team’s direction after a difficult 2025 campaign.
On-field struggles have impacted fan enthusiasm, and Ross’s comments, while honest, also sparked backlash. Some fans believe the remarks reinforce the idea that ownership prioritizes business ventures over football success.
Hard Rock Stadium has become a multi-purpose revenue hub, hosting events such as the Miami Open, the Super Bowl, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and upcoming FIFA World Cup matches.
From a business perspective, the diversification is working. Ross is maximizing the venue year-round, but from a football standpoint, the contrast is hard to ignore.
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There is also a broader league-wide angle. The NFL continues to dominate television, as broadcast deals and streaming rights generate massive revenue. The league has shown it is willing to inconvenience in-stadium fans, such as flexing games to Thursday nights, to maximize viewership.
Formula 1, on the other hand, thrives on the live experience. While its U.S. television audience averaged 1.32 million per race in 2025, its event-driven model creates high-value, high-attendance weekends.
Ross sits at the center of both worlds. His comments may not be a criticism of the NFL, but they do reflect a changing sports economy. Looking ahead, the Dolphins’ rebuild will determine whether fan engagement rebounds.
At the same time, Formula 1’s presence in Miami appears only to be growing. For now, the message is clear. In South Florida, the loudest roar might not be coming from a football crowd but from engines circling the stadium.
