Micky Arison
Owner of the Miami Heat and chairman of Carnival Corporation.
Micky Arison (Hebrew: מיקי אריסון; born June 29, 1949) is an Israeli-American billionaire businessman and chairman of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise operator. From 1979 until 2013, he was also the company's chief executive officer. Arison is also the owner of the NBA's Miami Heat, which under his ownership has won three NBA Championships.
- Role
- Owner
- Acquisition Year
- 1995
- Championships Won as Owner
- 3 (2006, 2012, 2013)
- Head Coach Hired
- Pat Riley
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Arison was born on June 29, 1949, in Tel Aviv, Israel, the son of Ted Arison, co-founder of Carnival Corporation. His only sibling is Shari Arison. Arison attended the University of Miami School of Business at the University of Miami but left school to become a sales representative for Carnival Corporation.
In Their Own Story
The narrative of Arison's ownership is marked by specific milestones in basketball history. He secured his first championship with the Heat in 2006, followed by back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. These wins were achieved through a clear vision that empowered coaching staff like Pat Riley. In January 2025, Arison sold his Bal Harbour condo for $5.8 million, a transaction reflecting his personal life alongside his professional triumphs. His family involvement is also central to the story; his son Nick serves as the CEO of the Miami Heat, continuing the Arison legacy in the front office.
Reader's Guide
Arison has been the owner of the Miami Heat since 1995. During his ownership, Arison hired Pat Riley as the team's head coach (and later team president) and under Arison's ownership the team has won three NBA championships (2006, 2012, and 2013).
Did You Know?
- In 2009, he earned $7,201,110, which included a base salary of $880,000, a cash bonus of $2,206,116, stocks granted of $3,618,481, and other compensation totaling $496,513.
- As of March 2025, Arison's wealth was calculated at $8.65 billion.
- In 2024, he was ranked at #137 on the Forbes 400 list of wealthiest individuals.
- Arison is married to Madeleine Arison, and they have two children. Their son Nick Arison is chief executive officer of the Miami Heat.
- Arison owns two 200-foot (61 m) yachts which he uses as homes.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Miami Heat universe
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