Empty the Bench

Mark Cuban is reportedly trying very hard to buy a major League Baseball team, and he has his sights set on the Chicago Cubs. He has made an offer of $625 million to buy the team from current owners the Tribune Co. Cuban has apparently been trying to get a team for some time, and in a recent interview with with TheStreet.com he had the following to say:

TheStreet.com: I’ve heard rumors about the Chicago Cubs — are you considering purchasing them or any other sports team?

Mark Cuban: I’m always interested in iconic teams or teams from my hometown, but it’s a “nice to do,” not a “have to do.”

Cubs fans should be excited about this news. Cuban is a first-rate owner who is serious about putting a quality product on display. He spared no expense in building up the Dallas Mavericks from laughingstock to perennial NBA Championship contender. He enthusiastically supports the Mavs in every way, a team that is in first place in the NBA now and must be considered the favorite for the title this season. They have been selling out every game, they are competitive, their facilities are first-rate and Cuban does everything within his power to help the team.

Despite their reputation as perennial disappointments, the Cubs are one of the most valuable franchises in baseball; last year, Forbes estimated the team’s worth at $448 million. (The Yankees topped the ranking at more than $1 billion.) Cuban’s offer represents a sizable premium over that valuation.

Cuban is extremely obnoxious for opposing fans and referees, but it’s not his job to be liked by them. It’s his job to please the local fans, and he does it as well as any owner in professional sports. So, could he break the curse? I’d sure like to find out. Professional sports need more owners who actually care about the team, who attend every game they can, who live and die with the team: more owners like Mark Cuban.