Venus and Serena Williams made history by becoming the first Black women to have ownership stakes in an NFL team, the Miami Dolphins. In 2009, the tennis superstars purchased a stake in the NFL franchise, which was valued at $1.2 billion. Today, it is reportedly valued at $4.6 billion as of 2022, according to Forbes. The sisters, who have ties to the south Florida city, have proven to be both successful athletes and entrepreneurs.
Their ownership experience has set them up for success in their creative journeys off the tennis court. Venus Williams has established multiple businesses, including a clothing line called Eleven by Venus Williams, a plant-based superfood nutrition company called Happy Viking, and a sunscreen line. In collaboration with artist Adam Pendleton, Venus co-curated an art auction earlier this year to raise funds to preserve and restore singer Nina Simone’s North Carolina childhood home.
Serena Williams, who is a mother of two, has also kept busy post-retirement, with a wellness brand called Will Perform and a multimedia company called 926 Productions, which aims to amplify women and diverse storytellers. In March 2022, the company secured a first-look TV deal with Amazon Studios. She also leads her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, which has invested in various startups, including Zigazoo and Parfait. Additionally, Serena is an investor in the Angel City Football Club, among other ventures.
In addition, Venus and Serena have teamed up with Oscar-winning actor Will Smith to produce a sports documentary about the events surrounding the 1971 Women’s World Cup of soccer. Their ownership in the Miami Dolphins has provided them with a platform and opportunities to pursue their passion projects and make an impact in different industries. Overall, Venus and Serena Williams’ ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins symbolizes a monumental moment in history for Black female entrepreneurs and athletes.
