Discover the 9 Types of Bad Sports Owners: From the Superstar to the Cheapskate and Beyond!

This week has been quite eventful for NHL owners. In Buffalo, Terry Pegula faced the ire of fans who demanded he either fire his GM or sell the team after a poor performance. Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Comcast surprised everyone with the announcement of a new arena as Michael Andlauer continues to pursue a similar project in Ottawa. However, one of the most pressing issues remains the absence of a viable owner for the league’s return to Arizona.

In the world of sports, a team’s owner can significantly impact its success. Sometimes, an owner can be more influential than the best player or GM. If you’re fortunate, your team has a solid owner. However, the wrong kind of owner can feel like a curse, especially for fans hoping for a championship.

Having grown up supporting Harold Ballard’s Toronto Maple Leafs, I’ve seen various ownership styles. Let’s explore the nine types of bad owners, from the mildly annoying to the outright disastrous. I hope your team’s situation doesn’t mirror any on this list.

Level 1: The Missing Person

This owner is often invisible, rarely making public appearances. While a quiet owner can sometimes be a good thing—only appearing when it’s time to celebrate—a complete lack of communication can be unsettling. When a team struggles, fans want to hear from the person in charge. A “Missing Person” can leave fans feeling adrift.

Level 2: The Schmoozer

This owner loves being part of the sports scene but isn’t overly focused on winning. They seek to build relationships with players, which can be charming but also distracting. If they surround themselves with strong decision-makers, things can work out. Otherwise, they may avoid making tough decisions after a bad season.

Level 3: The Superstar

This owner craves the spotlight, often overshadowing the team’s achievements. They can be entertaining when the team wins, but they become a headache when things go south. Fans might question their true motives: are they more interested in personal fame than team success?

Level 4: The Cheapskate

This owner opts to save money rather than invest in the team. They may be nice people, but if they’re unwilling to spend on players or facilities, it limits the team’s potential. Fans see repeated failures to sign key players or attract the best coaching talent and become frustrated by excuses about budget constraints.

Level 5: The Anti-Realist

This owner expects instant success without a thoughtful strategy. They demand immediate results and make rash decisions, leading to a series of poor hires and even poorer results. It feels less like running a team and more like chaotic mismanagement.

Level 6: The Participation Trophy

This owner is blissfully unaware that winning should be a priority. They focus on marketing, community events, and flashy facilities while ignoring the team’s performance. As long as appearances are good, they seem satisfied, leaving fans yearning for a winning season.

Level 7: The Smartest Guy in the Room

This owner believes they know better than everyone else, from management to fans. Their interference in every decision leads to chaos. They refuse to acknowledge criticism, convinced they are superior. When things go wrong, they often retreat into the shadows to escape accountability.

Level 8: The Sideshow

This owner brings a circus-like quality to the franchise, often embroiled in scandals or bizarre antics. Their personal issues overshadow the team, creating a reputation that fans want to distance themselves from. Instead of championing the team, they become a source of embarrassment.

Level 9: The Deserter

This is the worst-case scenario—a team owner who wants to move the franchise. This ultimate betrayal can devastate a fan base, leaving them feeling abandoned and betrayed. There’s little else to say here, as this type of owner brings nothing but heartache.

Understanding these ownership types can provide insights into how they affect the team and fan experience. Let’s hope your team is blessed with an owner who leans toward the positive side of this spectrum.

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