Former Dolphins, Marlins, Panthers owner Huizenga dies at 80

H. Wayne Huizenga, the former owner of the Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, and Florida Panthers, died Thursday at the age of 80.

His daughter confirmed his death but didn't disclose the cause to the Sun-Sentinel.

Huizenga is also known for founding Blockbuster Video, Waste Management, and AutoNation.

The South Florida tycoon purchased a partial stake in the Dolphins in 1990 before buying control of the team in 1993 from Joe Robbie. In 2008, Huizenga sold 50 percent of the franchise but remained the managing general partner until January 2009, when he sold all but 5 percent.

The billionaire was also the first owner of the Marlins franchise - then known as the Florida Marlins - and helped lead the team to its first World Series championship in 1997. In 1998, he sold the club to John Henry.

Huizenga was awarded an NHL expansion franchise for a $50-million bid in 1992. That franchise became the Panthers, whose inaugural season began in October 1993. During his tenure, the Panthers doubled their value, and he later sold the team to Alan Cohen and former NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar for a reported sum of $100 million.

On December 10, 2017, during their 25th season in the NHL, the Panthers retired No. 37 - Huizenga's birth year and lucky number - in honor of their former owner.