Knicks Reach First NBA Finals Since 1999 as Dolan’s Sphere Shares Jump 250%

5 articles · Updated · CNBC · May 28

Eleven straight playoff wins have sent the Knicks to their first NBA Finals since 1999, putting James Dolan’s long-criticized ownership in a new light.
That turnaround followed a more disciplined approach under team president Leon Rose and coach Mike Brown, replacing the high-risk roster moves that defined much of the Dolan era.
Dolan’s broader business record has also improved: Sphere Entertainment shares have surged about 250% in 12 months after the $2.3 billion Las Vegas venue began selling out events and planning new sites.
MSG Sports shares are up about 92% over the past year as richer NBA and NHL media-rights deals lift franchise values, and Dolan is exploring a split of the Knicks and Rangers owner to unlock more value.
Fans remain divided on whether a title would redeem Dolan, whose reputation was shaped by years of poor Knicks results and public controversies despite his current run of success.

Has James Dolan truly transformed as a leader, or is his redemption merely a product of a lucky streak?

Is James Dolan's success pricing out the loyal fans who endured his decades of failure?

Can Dolan's Sphere entertainment model be successfully replicated globally, or is it just a Las Vegas novelty?