Birdman discusses possible NFL ownership, Young Jeezy, and T.I.
Birdman Talks Miami Dolphins Ownership, Missed Signings, and Expanding Cash Money
Cash Money Records co-founder Birdman has always thought big. From building one of the most influential hip-hop labels of all time to helping mold Lil Wayne into a global star, his business instincts are rarely questioned. Now, Birdman is setting his sights beyond music—specifically toward the NFL.
Birdman has expressed interest in having ownership in numerous sectors. Obviously, music is his stronghold, as Drake, alone, has proven to be a solid investment. Earlier this year, Birdman and his brother, Slim, made headlines for their oil venture.
Now, the New Orleans mogul has set his sights on the Miami Dolphins.
Birdman Confirms Interest in Miami Dolphins Ownership
Speaking with Angela Yee on Shade 45, Birdman confirms that he’s actively seeking a minority ownership stake in the Miami Dolphins. The music mogul reveals that the process is already in motion, with clearance from the NFL being the final hurdle.
“It’s in the works,” Birdman shares. “You have to get a clearance from the NFL… We’re waiting on the clearance. Once we get clearance, we good.”
If successful, Birdman will join the ranks of celebrity shareholders such as Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Venus and Serena Williams, and Fergie. His motivation for pursuing team ownership? It’s the next level.
“That’s the next step for us. That’s the next level. Miami Dolphins would be great, because we out there.”
Birdman Says He Wants in on All Sports Franchises
Birdman doesn’t want to stop at just the Dolphins. He also hints at ambitions to invest in other sports leagues.
“Really, a few teams. Basketball teams, baseball teams—anything that’s available. We want to be a part of it.”
It’s clear that Birdman is aiming to expand the Cash Money empire into spaces previously untouched by hip-hop entrepreneurs.
Given all of the time he spends in Miami, Birdman may also be interested in the Miami Heat. Their value should be at an all-time high, given their additions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, earlier this summer.
However, only time will tell.
Reflections on Missed Opportunities: Jeezy, T.I., and Keyshia Cole
In the same interview, Birdman opens up about some of the artists who slipped through his fingers.
“Honestly, I never spoke on this,” he admits. “I had a chance for Keyshia Cole. I had a chance for Jeezy. T.I. used to be in the studio with us every day. I used to let him come in and just chill with us when he was out there in Atlanta.”
Though he was interested in all three artists, Birdman explains that at the time, his focus was squarely on developing his in-house talent.
“We were just young, focusing on us. But they made great careers.”
Building the Cash Money Machine
The story of Cash Money’s rise has been well documented. In 1997, Birdman and his brother Slim inked a historic distribution deal with Universal Records. The deal allowed Cash Money to retain full creative control and more than 60% of the profits from their music.
While the label faced early setbacks—including public exits from flagship artists Juvenile and B.G.—it bounced back with Lil Wayne’s meteoric rise. Birdman’s gamble on keeping Wayne as the centerpiece of the label proved to be the biggest and most lucrative decision in Cash Money’s history.
This deal is one that will continue to literally pay dividends for Birdman.
Diversifying Cash Money: R&B and Pop in the Pipeline
Birdman isn’t just aiming for sports ownership. He’s also working to expand Cash Money into R&B and pop music.
“We dominate rap. We got Jay Sean on the pop side,” he explains. “Now we looking for that R&B department.”
One artist leading that charge is Shanell, whom Birdman affectionately refers to as “my little sister.”
“She R&B, she pop. She got her first single coming out with Nicki Minaj. She’s written songs for me and Wayne. We’re expecting a lot from Shanell.”
According to Birdman, Shanell is still in development but has major records on the way. A new single is set to drop next month.
Managing Female Artists: A Learning Curve
When asked about the unique challenges of working with female artists, Birdman admits that it can require more patience.
“A woman does require a lot more. But greatness and beauty take patience.”
Still, he has high praise for Nicki Minaj, whom he says has been a model of work ethic and intelligence.
“She works hard – She spends money, but she makes money. She doesn’t whine. She’s a smart girl—she knows what she’s aiming for.”
His admiration for Minaj’s hustle is clear, and he believes she has the staying power to be a dominant force in music for years to come.
The Culture of Success at Cash Money
Birdman also notes how the culture at Cash Money has changed as the label has matured.
“It ain’t like it used to be. Now everybody’s happy, ’cause everybody’s getting money.”
The relaxed environment has translated into a more focused, productive team. With artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne operating at peak levels, Birdman sees no signs of slowing down.
Conclusion: From Hustler to Mogul
Birdman’s ambition has never been confined to music alone. Whether it’s oil ventures, record label expansion, or potentially becoming a part-owner of an NFL franchise, the Cash Money CEO is always thinking bigger.
Through his career, Birdman has always spoken about being fearless. In addition, he’s always shown pride in what he’s built and what he owns. The industry he’s built his fortune in doesn’t always lend itself to ownership. So, for him to come in and do what he did speaks volumes. Now, his goal is to take it to the next level.
From passing up some of the industry’s biggest stars to building one of the most profitable labels in hip-hop history, Birdman remains one of the most intriguing figures in the culture. As he waits for NFL clearance, one thing is clear: his game plan goes far beyond the studio.