While Venus and Serena Williams have made sports history on the tennis court, they’ve also made history beyond it.
AfroTech previously reported the sisters were the first Black women to become minority investors in an NFL team after securing a stake in the Miami Dolphins.
“I am honored to be a partner in the Miami Dolphins franchise and thankful to owner Stephen Ross for allowing Serena and I to be part of Miami Dolphins history,” Venus said, according to People.
“I am so excited to be part of such a renowned organization,” Serena told People. “Having spent so much of my childhood in the area, being involved with a staple of Miami culture is a huge honor. We look forward to many championships and much success together with the Miami Dolphins.”
Stephen Ross purchased 50% of the team in 2008. Then he purchased 45% in January 2009 for $1.1 billion, per CBS Sports. Eventually, Venus and Serena purchased minority stake in the team in 2009.
“We are thrilled to have Venus and Serena join the Dolphins as limited partners,” Ross expressed, according to People. “They are among the most admired athletes in the world and have become global ambassadors for the game of tennis. Their addition to our ownership group further reflects our commitment to connect with aggressively and embrace the great diversity that makes South Florida a multicultural gem.”
In 2009, it was estimated that the team was worth $1.2 billion, per Statista. As of August 2022, the Miami Dolphin’s valuation soared to an estimated $4.6 billion, according to Forbes.
In addition to team ownership, Venus and Serena have steadily flexed their entrepreneurial muscles over the years in other areas.
Venus has a clothing line, sunscreen line, plant-based superfood nutrition company called Happy Viking, and more.
On the other hand, Serena leads her venture capital firm Serena Ventures. Investments over the years include Zigazoo, Parfait, and more.
Serena is also an investor in Angel City Football Club on top of various other business moves.
