Venus and Serena become part of Miami Dolphins franchise

By Stephen M. Ross, Owner and Managing General Partner of the Miami Dolphins, it had been announced on Tuesday, August 25, 2009, that Serena and Venus Williams are joining the organization as limited partners of the franchise.

The Williams sisters, who have 18 Grand Slam singles titles combined, are the first African-American females to hold an ownership stake in a NFL franchise and one of the few African-Americans league-wide to hold this unique distinction.

"We are thrilled to have Venus and Serena join the Dolphins as limited partners," Ross said. "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."

"I am honored to be a partner in the Miami Dolphins franchise. I admire Stephen Ross' vision for the team and I am thankful to him for allowing Serena and I to be part of Miami Dolphins history," said Venus.

"I am so excited to be part of such a renowned organization. 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," Serena said.