Southeast Florida, encompassing Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, boasts a vibrant and diverse sports scene. The region is home to numerous professional, minor league, and collegiate teams across various sports disciplines.
The Sports Scene in Southeast Florida
This region is a sports powerhouse, home to the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), Florida Panthers (NHL), and Inter Miami CF (MLS).
Popular Sports: Soccer, Basketball, Tennis, Water Sports
- Soccer is exploding, especially with Inter Miami CF and the region’s Latino influence.
- Basketball is huge due to the Miami Heat, plus strong high school talent pipelines.
- Tennis thrives, with the Delray Beach & Miami Open being top global tournaments.
- Water sports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, and kite surfing are popular due to the warm Atlantic waters.
Professional Sports Teams
Miami Dolphins
Based in Miami Gardens, the Dolphins are a storied NFL franchise with a rich history, including two Super Bowl titles. They play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium.
Miami Heat
This NBA team has secured multiple championships and is known for its passionate fan base. The Heat’s home court is the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.
Miami Marlins
Competing in Major League Baseball, the Marlins have won two World Series titles. Their home games are held at loanDepot Park, a state-of-the-art facility in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood.
Florida Panthers
The region’s NHL team, the Panthers, play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Broward County. The team clinched its first Stanley Cup in June 2024.
Inter Miami CF
Established in 2018, this Major League Soccer team has quickly garnered a dedicated following. Inter Miami CF plays its home matches at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
Minor League and Developmental Teams
Jupiter Hammerheads
A Minor League Baseball team affiliated with the Miami Marlins, the Hammerheads compete in the Florida State League. They share Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter with the Palm Beach Cardinals.
South Florida Collegiate Baseball League (SFCBL)
Founded in 2011, the SFCBL is a summer league that provides collegiate players the opportunity to develop their skills. The league has expanded to 14 teams across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
Collegiate Athletics
University of Miami Hurricanes
Located in Coral Gables, the Hurricanes have a storied athletics program, particularly known for their football team’s national championships. They compete in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
Florida International University (FIU) Panthers
Based in Miami, FIU offers a range of NCAA Division I sports programs and competes in Conference USA.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls
Situated in Boca Raton, FAU’s athletic teams participate in Conference USA, with notable performances in football and basketball.
Nova Southeastern University Sharks
Located in Fort Lauderdale, the Sharks compete in NCAA Division II as part of the Sunshine State Conference.
Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish
Based in West Palm Beach, the Sailfish also participate in NCAA Division II within the Sunshine State Conference.
Spring Training and Notable Events
MLB Spring Training
Southeast Florida serves as a hub for Major League Baseball’s Grapefruit League during spring training. The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals share The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, while the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins utilize Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter.
