SI's Best & Worst Owners

[HMFFL]

SI.com identified the five best and five worst owners in each of the four major team sports. The method was not scientific but based on numerous factors, some of which are indisputable and some of which are intangible. Among the criteria used to evaluate owners was the willingness to spend money to improve the team; the stability and capabilities of the front office and management; the amenities at the team's venue; and the club's culture and interactivity with fans. Of course, weighing heavily in the decision was the team's success or failure on the field. Link

The Atlanta Spirit Group didn't make the list. Surprised?

[lethalweapon3]

I speak for Lee Corso when I say, "Not so fast, my friends!"

When Time Warner (SI's parent company) sold the Thrashers in 2003, it was to a group known as Atlanta Spirit, LLC. Ironic that it was neither wholly Atlanta (its partners are also based in Boston and Washington, D.C.) nor spirited (they're involved in an in-house feud with Steve Belkin (pictured) with both sides claiming they have an option to buy each other out). It's a case of too many cooks and not enough direction, as the group has had similar problems with the management of its other franchise, the NBA's Hawks. The Thrashers have been getting steadily worse since their lone postseason appearance two years ago and have squandered talented players like Ilya Kovalchuck, Vyacheslav Kozlov and Bryan Little.

~lw3

[evildallas]

That they can make a worst owner list in the NBA and come up with 5 worse than the Spirit says a lot about the state of the league.

As for being 4th worst in the NHL, I'm surprised they aren't ranked lower.