Minority Report: Huizenga Likely To Sell Just 49% Of Dolphins

Huizenga Looking To Initially Offer Minority Share In Team

Dolphins Owner Wayne Huizenga "remains in serious discussions" with N.Y.-based The Related Cos. Chair & CEO Stephen Ross, and he "has told people he prefers to sell" 49% of the team, according to sources cited by Barry Jackson of the MIAMI HERALD. A possible deal would include Ross having "the right to purchase majority interest within several years." Huizenga "likes the idea of someone coming in as a minority owner first, with the understanding that person would eventually buy out Huizenga's interest." Dolphin Stadium, which Huizenga also owns, "would be included in the deal." A source said another potential buyer "was told in recent days that Huizenga was far along in conversations with Ross and that any other bid would need to be made quickly." Jackson notes Ross "likely would want controlling interest of the team as soon as Huizenga is ready to relinquish it," and a "transfer of power over five years has been mentioned, but that timetable could be moved up." A source confirmed a WQAM-AM report that Dell Computers CEO Michael Dell "is involved with Ross' bid ... though Huizenga's phone conversations have been with Ross." If Ross acquires the team, he "likely would sell a piece" to Miami-based Related Group Founder & Chair Jorge Perez, who "is not in direct contact with Huizenga" (MIAMI HERALD, 12/19).