Baseball fans searching for the truth about Major League Baseball ownership often land on one team first, the Miami Marlins.
The franchise has had only a few owners since it joined the league in 1993, and the current owner has been running things since 2017.
Understanding who owns the Miami Marlins also means understanding the people who help run the team day to day, from the front office to the ownership group itself.
So who actually controls the Marlins in 2026, and why do so many fans still have strong opinions about the direction of the franchise? Keep reading to find out.
| Miami Marlins Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Owner | Bruce Sherman |
| Ownership Group | Bruce Sherman (majority), Florida family investors (minority, added 2026) |
| Purchase Price | $1.2 billion (2017) |
| 2026 Forbes Valuation | Approximately $1.5 billion |
| President Of Baseball Operations | Peter Bendix |
| General Manager | Gabe Kapler |
| Stadium | loanDepot park, Miami, Florida |
| League | Major League Baseball, National League East |
| Founded | 1993 |
Table of Contents
Who Is Bruce Sherman, The Miami Marlins Owner
Bruce Sherman is the principal owner and chairman of the Miami Marlins. He is an investment manager who built his fortune through Private Capital Management, a firm he led for many years before selling it.
Sherman purchased the Marlins in 2017 and has served as the public face of the franchise ever since.
How Bruce Sherman Bought The Miami Marlins In 2017
Sherman led a group that bought the Marlins from previous owner Jeffrey Loria for $1.2 billion.
The sale closed in October 2017 and was unanimously approved by Major League Baseball owners. At the time it was one of the largest sale prices in the history of the sport.
Derek Jeter And His Role In Marlins Ownership
Derek Jeter, the Hall of Fame shortstop, joined Sherman as part of the buying group and became chief executive officer of the Marlins.
Jeter held a small stake in the team, reported at around 4 percent, while overseeing baseball and business operations.
He stepped down as CEO in February 2022 after disagreements with Sherman over the direction of the roster, and he later sold his stake in the club.
Miami Marlins Ownership Structure Explained
Today the Marlins ownership group is led by Bruce Sherman as majority owner and chairman. In 2026 Sherman sold a 15 percent stake in the franchise to two family investors based in Florida, a move reported to help ease the team debt situation and prepare for a possible salary floor in the next labor agreement. Sherman still controls the franchise, but he is no longer the only person with a financial interest in it.
President Of Baseball Operations
General Manager
Minority Stake Holders, added 2026
Marlins Ownership Timeline: Key Milestones
Here is a quick look at the biggest moments in Marlins ownership history, from the first expansion fee all the way to the most recent stake sale.
Wayne Huizenga is awarded the Marlins expansion franchise for $95 million.
The Marlins begin play in Major League Baseball.
Jeffrey Loria buys the Marlins and becomes owner.
The team opens its home in downtown Miami, later renamed loanDepot park.
Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter lead a group that buys the Marlins for $1.2 billion.
Derek Jeter steps down as CEO of the Marlins.
Gabe Kapler is promoted to general manager under Peter Bendix.
Sherman sells a 15 percent stake to Florida family investors as Forbes values the team near $1.5 billion.
Peter Bendix And The Marlins Front Office Leadership
Baseball operations for the Marlins are run by Peter Bendix, who holds the title of president of baseball operations.
In November 2025 the team promoted Gabe Kapler, a former big league manager, to general manager, working under Bendix. The pair oversee player personnel decisions, scouting, and player development for the organization.
Miami Marlins Forbes Valuation In 2026
According to Forbes, the Marlins were valued at roughly $1.5 billion in March 2026, a jump of about 43 percent from the year before. Even with that increase the Marlins remain the least valuable franchise in Major League Baseball, a spot they have held since 2019.
The team generated about $320 million in revenue during the 2025 season with an operating income of $53 million.
Is Bruce Sherman A Good Owner: Is The Miami Marlins Ownership Really Worth It
This is the question many Marlins fans ask most often. On one hand, Sherman has kept the franchise stable, avoided relocation talk, and helped fund a new ballpark era at loanDepot park.
On the other hand, Sherman has faced heavy criticism for repeated payroll cuts, including trading away popular and productive players such as Luis Arraez, and for a Marlins payroll that sits near the bottom of the league at roughly $79 million.
Supporters argue the ownership is building a sustainable model through player development and smart trades.
Critics argue the ownership prioritizes profit over competing, pointing to the team long stretch without sustained playoff success. Both views have real evidence behind them, which is why the debate over Sherman ownership remains one of the most discussed topics among Marlins fans.
Marlins Stadium And Business Operations Under Sherman
The Marlins play at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida, a ballpark that opened in 2012 with a retractable roof.
Sherman ownership group has invested in surrounding business operations, including new executive hires such as a chief commercial officer and chief financial officer added in recent years to grow revenue outside of ticket sales.
If you are curious how other franchises compare, you can also read about who owns the Tampa Bay Rays and who owns the San Francisco Giants, two other clubs with ownership situations that draw plenty of fan discussion.
Are The Miami Marlins For Sale In 2026
Despite the 2026 minority stake sale, Bruce Sherman has repeatedly said the Marlins are not for sale.
In January 2023 he told the Miami Herald the team would not be for sale during his lifetime. The recent sale of a 15 percent stake to outside investors was framed as a way to address debt and prepare for league wide financial changes, not a step toward a full sale of the franchise.
Still, given the team low valuation relative to other MLB clubs and ongoing fan frustration, speculation about a future sale is likely to continue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Miami Marlins Ownership
Who owns the Miami Marlins right now?
Bruce Sherman is the principal owner and chairman of the Miami Marlins, a position he has held since completing his purchase of the team in 2017.
Does Derek Jeter still own part of the Miami Marlins?
No. Jeter stepped down as CEO in 2022 and later sold off his ownership stake, meaning he no longer has a financial interest in the franchise.
How much did Bruce Sherman pay for the Miami Marlins?
Sherman led a group that paid $1.2 billion for the Marlins in 2017, and the franchise has since been valued at around $1.5 billion by Forbes in 2026.
Why are Miami Marlins fans upset with the ownership?
Many fans are frustrated by a low payroll, the trading of popular players, and years without consistent playoff appearances, even as the team value has grown under Sherman.
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