In a stunning tale of sports ownership and financial wizardry, a newly-minted NBA owner has been revealed to have played a significant role in the remarkable rise of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who are now just one game away from winning their third Stanley Cup in four years. The owner, a billionaire businessman with a reputation for shrewd deal-making, has been quietly backing the Lightning's ownership group, providing crucial funding and resources that have helped the team become a dominant force in the NHL. As the Lightning prepare to face off against the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final, questions are being raised about the implications of this financial backing and whether it gives the team an unfair advantage in the league. With the NHL's collective bargaining agreement limiting team spending, the Lightning's success has sparked concerns about the role of outside investors in shaping the outcome of games.

How a controversial new NBA owner funded an NHL powerhouse to the Stanley Cup Final - The Athletic  The New York Times