As I sat watching the EASL game last Wednesday, something remarkable caught my attention—Lassiter missing all four of his three-point attempts against Hiroshima. It was one of those rare slumps that make you realize how much pressure professional athletes carry, not just from fans and coaches, but from the often-invisible hands guiding their careers: the team owners. These powerful figures operate behind the scenes, yet their influence shapes everything from player trades to franchise legacies. Having followed the NBA for over fifteen years, I've come to appreciate that while players like Lassiter face momentary struggles, it's the owners who navigate the complex, high-stakes world of basketball business, making decisions that can define decades.
When Lassiter had that off night in Hiroshima, it wasn't just a personal setback; it was a reminder of how team dynamics are meticulously managed from the top down. Owners like the Los Angeles Lakers' Jeanie Buss or the Golden State Warriors' Joe Lacob don't just write checks—they build cultures, invest in infrastructure, and sometimes take bold risks that pay off in championships. I recall speaking with a sports analyst friend who estimated that the average NBA franchise has seen its value surge by roughly 300% in the last decade, thanks in part to savvy ownership strategies. For instance, Lacob's focus on analytics and player development turned the Warriors from a middling team into a dynasty, and as a fan, I've always admired how he blends business acumen with a genuine love for the game. But it's not all success stories; some owners face criticism for prioritizing profits over performance, like when a team trades away fan favorites to cut costs. From my perspective, the best owners strike a balance, fostering loyalty while driving innovation.
Digging deeper, the untold stories of NBA owners often involve personal journeys that mirror the drama on the court. Take Mark Cuban of the Dallas Mavericks—his rise from a tech entrepreneur to a hands-on owner who's been fined over $2 million for criticizing referees shows a passion that resonates with fans like me. I've followed his moves closely, and it's clear that his willingness to challenge norms has reshaped how owners engage with the league. On the flip side, there are quieter figures like the Phoenix Suns' Mat Ishbia, whose recent acquisition of the team for a reported $4 billion highlights the financial muscle required in today's NBA. In my experience covering sports business, I've noticed that these owners often operate in a world of intense pressure, where a single misstep—like mishandling a player's contract—can lead to public backlash. For example, when Lassiter missed those shots, it wasn't just his performance under scrutiny; it reflected the broader ecosystem owners cultivate, from coaching hires to international expansions like the EASL games.
Ultimately, the power of NBA owners extends far beyond the scoreboard, weaving into the fabric of global sports culture. Reflecting on Lassiter's slump, I'm reminded that while players provide the thrills, owners provide the foundation—their vision can turn a struggling franchise into a powerhouse or, if mismanaged, into a cautionary tale. As someone who's analyzed team dynamics for years, I believe the human side of ownership—the risks, the rivalries, and the occasional regrets—is what makes basketball so compelling. In the end, it's these untold stories that remind us why we care, not just about the games, but about the people who make them possible.
People in Motion (PiM) is our employee advocacy and improvement program. These cross-functional groups are comprised of employees, with an executive sponsor, who contribute ideas and drive action towards focused areas of improvement across the employee experience. The groups include: Kyruus Kontext & Business Readiness; Community, Connectivity, & Engagement; System, Tools, & Productivity; IDEA [Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility].
As a remote-first company, we are invested in employees creating a work setup that allows them to do their best work. In addition to a laptop, we also provide you with $750 to get the additional equipment you need and add an ongoing amount of $1,200 to your salary to cover remote work costs.
We value ownership at Kyruus Health, not only in the work you do but in the shared financial success from our growth. Employees will have the opportunity to grow their equity ownership throughout their tenure.
We care about creating the time you need to bond for any team members at Kyruus Health growing their families. We offer 8 weeks of fully paid leave to all parents. Birthing parents are also eligible for additional time and coverage through our Short-Term Disability plan.
We encourage all employees to save for retirement through our 401(K) plan. Employees have the option to begin contributing to their accounts on their first day of employment and we offer an employer match of up to $1,500 per calendar year for all employees who enroll.
We offer employees a lifestyle stipend of $2,000 per year to help them be well. This is designed for Kyruus Health to offset the cost for items, experiences, or home expenses that enhance team members’ well-being
We want to provide employees and families with health insurance offerings to support them getting the care they need. Our health, dental, and vision plans are desiged to allow employees the opportunity to choose options that work best for themselves and their families.
We are committed to flexibility and empowering employees to do work that matters in a way that works for them. Our unlimited PTO policy is anchored on that flexibility – encouraging employees to take time off for what’s important to them, in addition to the many company holidays we celebrate. To highlight our commitment to a healthy work-life balance, we provide a specific stipend each quarter for employees to use on a recharge day.
