Who is the Owner of the New York Knicks?

By Edcel Panganiban December 05, 2023 02:06

The New York Knicks, one of the most iconic basketball teams in the NBA, have a long and storied history. The team has seen its fair share of success and struggles over the years, but its ownership has remained a constant topic of interest among fans and sports enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the ownership of the New York Knicks, from its early days to the present.

The Early Years

The New York Knicks were established in 1946 as one of the founding members of the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which later merged with the National Basketball League (NBL) to form the NBA. During their early years, the Knicks were owned by a group of businessmen led by Ned Irish. Irish was a prominent figure in the basketball world and played a significant role in the growth of the NBA.

The Madison Square Garden Era

In 1964, the Knicks were purchased by the iconic Madison Square Garden (MSG) organization, which is still the team's owner to this day. Madison Square Garden is a renowned sports and entertainment company that owns and operates some of the most famous venues in the world, including the eponymous Madison Square Garden arena in New York City.

The Dolan Family Takes Over

Since the 1990s, the New York Knicks have been under the ownership of the Dolan family. James L. Dolan, the son of Cablevision founder Charles Dolan, took control of the team and the Madison Square Garden organization in 1999. Under Dolan's ownership, the Knicks have experienced both highs and lows, with mixed success on the basketball court and occasional controversy off it.

Controversies and Criticisms

The ownership of James Dolan has not been without its fair share of controversies and criticisms. Many fans and analysts have criticized Dolan for his management style, which some perceive as meddling and detrimental to the team's success. There have also been instances of strained relationships between Dolan and former players, coaches, and even fans.

One of the most notable controversies involving Dolan was his handling of the Charles Oakley incident in 2017. Oakley, a beloved former Knicks player, was forcibly removed from Madison Square Garden during a game, leading to public backlash and a strained relationship between Oakley and Dolan.

The Future of Knicks Ownership

Despite the controversies and criticisms, James Dolan has remained steadfast in his ownership of the New York Knicks. However, there have been occasional rumors and speculations about a potential sale of the team. Some fans and analysts believe that a change in ownership could bring new energy and direction to the franchise, while others argue that Dolan's commitment to the team should be recognized.

It is worth noting that the Knicks' ownership also extends beyond the basketball team itself. The Madison Square Garden organization, under Dolan's leadership, also owns the New York Rangers hockey team, as well as other sports and entertainment properties. This diversification of ownership has allowed Dolan to maintain a significant presence in the sports and entertainment industry.

The ownership of the New York Knicks has been an intriguing and sometimes controversial aspect of the team's history. From the early days of a group of businessmen led by Ned Irish to the current ownership under James Dolan and the Madison Square Garden organization, the Knicks have remained a prominent figure in the NBA. While the ownership has seen its fair share of controversies and criticisms, the future of the Knicks remains in the hands of James Dolan, leaving fans and analysts to speculate about what lies ahead for this iconic basketball franchise.