In 2000, Mark Cuban purchased a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks from H. Ross Perot, Jr. for $285 million. In the years since, the Dallas Mavericks have transformed into one of the most popular and successful NBA franchises. Cuban’s hands-on leadership and outspoken style has helped the team reach two NBA finals and a championship title in 2011, however, Cuban’s antics have landed him many fines over the years. Since 2000, Cuban has been fined over 20 times by the league totaling over $3million dollars. Regardless, he is one of the most popular owners among fans and Mavericks players. Cuban actively catered to players by reaching out and improved the team’s amenities in the locker room and practice facility. Cuban’s leadership left strong impressions among players like Jason Terry and Dirk Nowitzki, who spent his entire 21 season career with the Mavericks. When asked about Cuban, Terry said, “when you’re on a team and your owner is just as bought in with the sweat equity of the guys playing, it means that much more to you. Mark has been like that since day one, since he’s taken over and he hasn’t wavered yet.”
Today in Sports History: January 14
