Mark Cuban's impact on the sports industry and leadership accomplishments

Mark Cuban

Everyone knows Mark Cuban as the rather eccentric owner of the Dallas Mavericks. Most of the owners of professional sports teams are corporations, or rather stodgy individual who view their purchase as just one of many. Cuban changed this perception of the wealthy and aloof sports owner. Instead of merely watching the games while attired in a business suit and tie, Mark Cuban watches the Mavericks play while decked in sweats all branded with the team's logo.

When Mark Cuban bought the Dallas Mavericks, the team was not playing well. Their winning rate was less than 50%. A few years after the purchase, this changed to the point that the Mavs were winning six games out of every ten that they played. Much of the success of the new regime was attributed to Cuban. Unlike many owners who would keep their distance from the team and maybe only voice an opinion when it came to the hiring or firing of staff, Cuban is instrumental in every aspect of the running of the Mavs. According to Michael Lee (2006), "He is on the sideline heckling opponents and referees, in the team huddle, or in the locker room watching film before games."

The man, always a Dallas fan, cheered for his team louder than anyone else in the stadium. His enthusiasm was electric and those who had given up on the Mavericks found themselves persuaded to root for them because of their leader. He encouraged more fans by interacting with them personally through e-mail (Mark 2011). Cuban completely changed the face of sports ownership. Fans now felt they had a vested interest in the Dallas Mavericks because they had the opportunity to interact with the team's owner, giving themselves a sense that their opinions and perceptions were also being heard. Other people were brought in to watch the games who had never before been interested in basketball because of the promotions and giveaways sponsored by the Mavericks and their eccentric owner.