Serena Williams is a part owner of the Miami Dolphins. She became a minority stakeholder in 2009 when Stephen Ross purchased the team. As for her husband, Alexis Ohanian is not technically a billionaire as of December 2025, though his net worth is estimated between $150-200 million according to Forbes and Bloomberg reports. However, his venture capital success and early Reddit investment have made him extremely wealthy.
My Personal Connection to This Story
As someone who has covered sports business for over 12 years, I have followed Serena Williams’ transition from tennis champion to savvy investor with great interest. I personally attended the 2016 Super Bowl where I witnessed firsthand how seriously she takes her ownership role—not just as a figurehead, but as an engaged stakeholder who understands sports business dynamics.
Part 1: Serena Williams and the Miami Dolphins – The Full Story
How Did Serena Become an NFL Owner?
In August 2009, real estate mogul Stephen Ross completed his purchase of the Miami Dolphins for approximately $1.1 billion (including the stadium). As part of building a diverse ownership group, Ross invited several high-profile individuals to become minority investors, including:
- Serena Williams (tennis champion)
- Venus Williams (Serena’s sister, also tennis champion)
- Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan (music legends)
- Marc Anthony (singer and actor)
- Fergie (Black Eyed Peas member)
What Percentage Does Serena Own?
While exact ownership percentages are not publicly disclosed (this is standard practice for minority NFL stakeholders), industry analysts estimate that Serena and Venus collectively own less than 1% of the franchise. Based on the Dolphins’ current valuation of approximately 6.76billion∗∗(perForbes2024NFLvaluations),evena0.56.76billion∗∗(perForbes2024NFLvaluations),evena0.533.8 million.
Important Context: NFL ownership rules are strict. The league requires one “controlling owner” who must hold at least 30% of the team. Minority owners like Serena have limited voting rights but benefit financially from franchise appreciation and profit-sharing.
Part 2: The Williams Sisters’ Historic Achievement
Why This Ownership Matters
Serena and Venus Williams became the first Black women to hold ownership stakes in an NFL franchise. This was a groundbreaking moment in American sports history, occurring during a period when:
- Only 0.6% of NFL players went on to become team owners
- Minority representation in NFL ownership was virtually non-existent
- Women of color faced systemic barriers in sports business investment
Dr. Richard Lapchick, Director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES), stated in a 2009 report:
“The Williams sisters’ investment represents a meaningful step toward diversifying NFL ownership, though much work remains to achieve true representation.”
Serena’s Active Role as Owner
Unlike some celebrity minority owners who are purely passive investors, Serena has demonstrated genuine engagement:
Documented Activities:
- Attended multiple Dolphins home games at Hard Rock Stadium
- Participated in ownership meetings (confirmed by Miami Herald reporters)
- Advocated for stadium renovations that improved fan experience
- Supported community initiatives through the Dolphins Foundation
In a 2016 CNBC interview, Serena explained her investment philosophy:
“I’m not just putting my name on something. I study the business, understand the financials, and want to contribute meaningful value beyond my celebrity status.”
Part 3: How Much Are the Dolphins Worth Today?
Franchise Valuation Growth (2009-2025)
| Year | Valuation | Annual Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | $1.1 billion | Baseline |
| 2015 | $1.95 billion | +10.8% avg/year |
| 2020 | $3.42 billion | +11.9% avg/year |
| 2024 | $6.76 billion | +14.6% avg/year |
| 2025 (est.) | $7.1 billion | +5% projected |
Source: Forbes NFL Team Valuations (2009-2024), Bloomberg Sports Finance Database
Return on Investment: If Serena invested 1 million in 2009, her stake would theoretically be worth approximately **\6.45 million today**—a 545% return over 16 years.
What Drives NFL Franchise Value?
Several factors have contributed to the Dolphins’ appreciation:
- National TV Contracts: The NFL’s $110 billion media rights deal (2023-2033) guarantees each team approximately $400+ million annually in broadcast revenue
- Hard Rock Stadium Renovations: $550 million in privately-funded upgrades (2015-2016) enhanced revenue streams
- Miami Market Growth: South Florida’s population increased by 19% from 2010-2024
- Sports Betting Legalization: New revenue opportunities from gambling partnerships
Part 4: Is Alexis Ohanian a Billionaire?
Who Is Alexis Ohanian?
Full Name: Alexis Kerry Ohanian
Born: April 24, 1983 (Brooklyn, New York)
Education: University of Virginia (BA in Commerce and History, 2005)
Married to Serena Williams: November 16, 2017
Children: Two daughters – Olympia (born 2017) and Adira (born 2023)
His Path to Wealth
1. Reddit Co-Founder (2005-2009, 2014-2020)
Alexis co-founded Reddit with Steve Huffman in 2005. The platform was acquired by Condé Nast in October 2006 for a reported 10-20 million**. Ohanian’s share from this sale was estimated at **\3-5 million (before taxes).
He returned to Reddit in 2014 as executive chairman and remained until 2020, when he resigned from the board amid social justice advocacy.
Reddit’s Current Status (2024):
- Reddit went public (IPO) in March 2024 at approximately $6.4 billion valuation
- Ohanian’s remaining equity stake is estimated at 0.5-1%, worth approximately $32-64 million
2. Venture Capital Success: Seven Seven Six (776)
In 2020, Ohanian launched Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm with a unique model:
Investment Highlights:
- Initial fund: $150 million (2020)
- Second fund: $500 million (2022)
- Portfolio includes: Substack, Ro (telehealth), Clubhouse, and over 100+ startups
Notable Exits:
- Coinbase investment: Estimated 10-20x return when Coinbase went public in 2021
- Patreon: Early investor; company valued at $4 billion (2021)
Conservative Estimate: His VC holdings likely add $80-120 million to his net worth.
3. Other Investments and Income
- Angel investments in Instacart, Cruise (acquired by GM), and Initialized Capital
- Speaking fees: $100,000-250,000 per keynote (industry standard for tech founders)
- Book deals and endorsements: Estimated $2-5 million cumulative
Part 5: What Is Alexis Ohanian’s Actual Net Worth?
Credible Estimates (December 2025)
| Source | Estimated Net Worth | Methodology |
|---|---|---|
| Forbes | $150 million | Based on disclosed holdings + VC valuations |
| Bloomberg | $175-200 million | Includes unrealized VC gains |
| Celebrity Net Worth | $70 million | Conservative, excludes private holdings |
My Analysis: The most reliable estimate is $150-200 million, which places Ohanian firmly in the “ultra-high-net-worth” category but below the $1 billion billionaire threshold.
Why He’s Not (Yet) a Billionaire
To reach $1 billion, Ohanian would need:
- His VC fund (Seven Seven Six) to achieve 5-10x returns on all investments
- A major liquidity event (sale of significant equity)
- Another successful company exit comparable to early Reddit
Is It Possible? Yes. If several of his portfolio companies (e.g., Substack, Ro) achieve IPOs or acquisitions at high valuations, he could cross into billionaire status by 2028-2030.
Part 6: The Williams-Ohanian Financial Power Couple
Combined Net Worth
Serena Williams: Estimated $300-350 million
- Tennis career earnings: $94.8 million (prize money)
- Endorsements: $300+ million (Nike, Gatorade, Wilson, etc.)
- Serena Ventures: $111 million VC fund investing in women-led startups
- Real estate portfolio: $30+ million
Alexis Ohanian: $150-200 million (as analyzed above)
Combined Household Net Worth: Approximately $450-550 million
Their Investment Philosophy
Both Serena and Alexis are deeply committed to:
1. Diversity in Venture Capital
- Serena Ventures has invested in 84 companies, with 78% having a woman founder and 53% having a founder of color
- Ohanian’s 776 fund commits to backing underrepresented founders
2. Long-Term Wealth Building
- Focus on equity investments rather than liquid cash
- Strategic real estate holdings across Los Angeles, Florida, and New York
3. Philanthropy
- Combined donations exceeding $10 million to educational and social justice causes
Part 7: Common Misconceptions Debunked
Myth 1: “Serena Owns the Dolphins Because of Her Husband’s Money”
Reality: Serena became a Dolphins minority owner in 2009, eight years before she met Alexis Ohanian (they started dating in 2015). Her investment came from her own tennis earnings and endorsement deals.
Myth 2: “Celebrity NFL Owners Are Just for Show”
Reality: While some celebrity owners have minimal involvement, Serena has consistently attended games and ownership meetings. Her investment has appreciated significantly, proving financial savvy.
Myth 3: “Alexis Is a Billionaire From Reddit”
Reality: Reddit’s 2006 sale netted Ohanian only $3-5 million. His wealth today comes primarily from venture capital success, not the original Reddit exit.
Part 8: Lessons From Their Investment Success
For Aspiring Investors
1. Diversification Matters
- Serena spread investments across sports franchises, venture capital, and real estate
- Alexis balanced tech startups, VC funds, and public market investments
2. Long-Term Holding Pays Off
- Serena’s Dolphins stake has grown 6x+ since 2009
- Patience through market cycles builds generational wealth
3. Leverage Your Network
- Both used their platforms to access exclusive investment opportunities
- Built relationships with successful entrepreneurs and investors
4. Bet on Underrepresented Founders
- Data shows diverse founding teams often outperform homogeneous ones
- Both Williams and Ohanian prioritize this in their VC strategies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can Serena Williams vote on major Dolphins decisions?
A: As a minority owner with less than 1% equity, Serena does not have significant voting power on major franchise decisions like coaching hires or player trades. The controlling owner (Stephen Ross) makes those calls. However, she can participate in advisory discussions and strategic planning sessions.
Q2: How much money has Serena made from her Dolphins ownership?
A: While exact figures are not public, minority NFL owners typically receive:
- Annual profit distributions (Dolphins’ operating income was ~$150-200 million in recent years)
- Capital appreciation (the franchise has grown 6x+ in value since 2009)
A conservative estimate suggests Serena has earned 3-8 million** from dividends plus **\5-30 million in unrealized capital gains, depending on her exact ownership percentage.
Q3: Could Alexis Ohanian become a billionaire?
A: Yes, it’s possible but not guaranteed. If his venture fund (Seven Seven Six) achieves strong returns and several portfolio companies have successful exits, he could cross the billion-dollar threshold within 5-10 years. However, VC returns are highly uncertain.
Q4: Do the Williams sisters still own the Dolphins together?
A: Yes, both Serena and Venus remain minority owners as of December 2025. There have been no public reports of either sister selling their stakes.
Q5: Has Serena invested in other sports teams?
A: Beyond the Dolphins, Serena has invested in:
- Angel City FC (NWSL women’s soccer team) – founding investor (2020)
- Los Angeles Golf Club (member-owner status)
She’s one of the few athletes with ownership across multiple professional sports leagues.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Kenneth Shropshire, Professor of Global Sport at Arizona State University
“Serena Williams’ NFL ownership stake represents more than financial investment—it’s about representation and breaking barriers. Her presence in NFL ownership meetings sends a powerful message about who belongs in sports business leadership.”
Darren Rovell, Sports Business Reporter
In a 2024 Action Network podcast, Rovell stated:
“People underestimate how smart Serena is as a businessperson. Her Dolphins investment in 2009 was ahead of the curve—she recognized that NFL franchises were undervalued given the league’s media trajectory. That’s sophisticated financial thinking.”
Conclusion: A Legacy Beyond Tennis and Tech
Serena Williams’ Miami Dolphins ownership and Alexis Ohanian’s venture capital success demonstrate how athletes and entrepreneurs can build lasting wealth through strategic investments. While Ohanian is not yet a billionaire, their combined net worth of $450-550 million places them among America’s most financially successful couples.
More importantly, both use their wealth to create opportunities for underrepresented groups—whether through Serena Ventures’ focus on women founders or Ohanian’s commitment to diverse tech entrepreneurs.