The Perfect Owner

Since our interview with Sabres Owner Tom Golisano aired earlier this week, I've been thinking about the role of pro team sports owner, and what it is fans want from the owner of their favorite team. We talked at length with Golisano about his sparse attendance at Sabres games this year, and how fans may have interpreted that as lack of interest in the team. It strikes me that fans are very demanding when it comes to the owner of their favorite franchise. They want them to attend every game, to stand and cheer, and hear their boos when things aren't going well. However, when the owner starts prowling the sidelines (like Jerry Jones of the Cowboys) or interfering in sports decisions, the fans get a little worried. In essence, we're looking for a "super-fan", maybe even a reflection of how we would act if we owned the team. It seems like a tough balancing act for the billionaires who own these teams--care, but don't meddle. Lead, but don't interfere. Cheer when they score, but don't cheer blindly. And most importantly, keep writing the checks.