Micky Arison on family business
From Miami Heat Owner MICKY ARISON · · Legends Of Sport
“It's been a family endeavor and passion since we took control of '95.”
On , Micky Arison, Executive Chairman of the Board at Carnival Corp, spoke about family business during Miami Heat Owner MICKY ARISON on Legends Of Sport.
About Micky Arison
Micky Arison, executive chairman of Carnival Corporation, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2025. In his enshrinement speech, Arison said he never sought the honor and described his initial reluctance when his father became involved in bringing the Miami Heat to Miami in 1988, saying he tried to convince him not to get involved because they "valued our privacy." He said his goal after acquiring controlling interest in 1995 was to "do right by South Florida and build a winner," and he credited Pat Riley, the coaching staff, and 257 players who wore the uniform over 30 years for the team's success. Arison stated that he believes team owners "should rarely be heard from" and that the award recognized the organization's efforts. In a March 2026 interview for the FCCA Leadership Series, Arison reflected on the evolution of the cruise industry, describing it as "a lot more complicated today" than when he started, when the business operated without computers, cell phones, or social media. He said the ships have become "massive floating cities" offering a wide variety of food and entertainment options. Arison also discussed his philosophy on winning, stating that in business, "you win or you lose over a long term" and that winning means the business continues to grow and the people and communities around it prosper.