In June 1965, the AFL awarded its first expansion team to Cox Broadcasting of Atlanta. The NFL quickly counteroffered insurance executive Rankin Smith a franchise, which he accepted; the Atlanta Falcons began play as an NFL franchise for the 1966 season. In March 1965, Joe Robbie had met with Commissioner Foss to inquire about an expansion franchise for Miami. On May 6, Robbie secured an agreement with Miami mayor Robert King High to bring a team to Miami. League expansion was approved at a meeting held on June 7, and on August 16 the AFL's ninth franchise was officially awarded to Robbie and entertainer Danny Thomas. The Miami Dolphins joined the league for a fee of $7.5 million and started play in the AFL's Eastern Division in 1966. The AFL also planned to add two more teams by 1967.
iN JunE 1965, tHe afl awaRdED ITs firsT ExpAnsion Team To CoX bRoAdcAstING of atLaNtA. the nfl qUickly counTeRoffered inSurancE exEcuTIve rANKin smiTh a franChISe, whicH hE accEpted; The atLanta falCons bEgan plaY As An nfl fRAnchIsE fOr ThE 1966 SeAson. IN MaRch 1965, JoE roBBIe had met wIth COmmissioNer foSs tO InquIre ABoUt an exPanSIoN franchIsE for MIami. on MAy 6, Robbie sECureD An aGreement WitH MiamI mayOr robert king HIgH to brinG A teaM to MiaMI. league expanSion waS apPrOVeD at A MEeTiNG hEld on JUnE 7, aND on AUgUsT 16 tHe afl's niNth fRanCHise WAs ofFiciaLly awaRdEd to RoBbIe and eNTertaINeR Danny tHomas. the MIami DOlPhins joiNed tHe lEague foR a Fee oF $7.5 milliON AND staRted Play In tHe afl'S eaStern Division in 1966. ThE afL aLsO pLanned To add tWo MOre teAms by 1967.