Two of the NFL’s most powerful owners are stepping off the sidelines and into the political arena - this time, with their eyes on New York City’s new leadership.
Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft have voiced strong concerns about recently elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office this month as the city’s 112th mayor. Mamdani’s campaign, built on sweeping economic and social reforms, energized a progressive base but has left some business leaders - including Ross and Kraft - uneasy about the city’s direction.
Ross, a major figure in both real estate and the sports world, didn’t mince words during a recent Bloomberg fireside chat. Drawing comparisons to San Francisco’s economic struggles, Ross warned that Mamdani’s policies could drive companies out of New York.
“New York can’t go through good times,” Ross said. “Because the ideals that he stands for are not good for business.
It’s not good for, really, we’ve never seen it work anywhere.”
That’s a bold statement from someone who knows the stakes. Ross has long been a player in New York’s business scene, and his concerns center around the potential impact of increased regulation and taxation. He pointed to California as a cautionary tale - a place where, in his view, investor confidence has been shaken by similar policies.
“If everybody’s fears come to light for New York, it could be a lot like what San Francisco went through with that type of government,” Ross added. “It did really great damage to San Francisco.”
Ross didn’t stop there. He took aim at the city’s rising costs and what he sees as excessive government overreach. He also called out ongoing debates around a proposed billionaire tax, saying the mere discussion has already rattled high-net-worth individuals and investors.
“Look at today - they’re debating whether there’s going to be a billionaire tax,” Ross said. “That’s frightened every person that’s there. That’s what California has become.”
Kraft, meanwhile, echoed many of the same concerns earlier this year. The Patriots owner took issue with Mamdani’s campaign rhetoric, calling it divisive and questioning whether the new mayor has the ability to unify a city as complex and diverse as New York.
Neither Ross nor Kraft holds public office, but their influence stretches far beyond the gridiron. Between their business empires and ownership of two of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises, their voices carry weight - especially when they speak out on issues that could affect the economic ecosystem surrounding professional sports.
As for Mamdani, he hasn’t responded directly to the criticism. But in past interviews, he’s made it clear that his priority is building a more equitable New York - one where working-class residents have a stronger voice and the wealthy are held to greater account.
While the political heat rises, New York’s sports scene keeps moving forward. The Giants are already laying the groundwork for their 2026 season, and the rest of the city’s teams are adjusting to life under a new mayor. But with figures like Ross and Kraft entering the conversation, it’s clear that the intersection of sports, business, and politics in New York is more active - and more high-stakes - than ever.