Who is Tom Dundon, and why should you hate his guts?

Tom Dundon has become one of the most polarizing figures in American sports ownership, and the question posed in the headline reflects a growing sentiment among fans who feel the billionaire owner has prioritized profit over the communities that support his teams.

Dundon made his fortune in the subprime auto lending industry as the founder of Santander Consumer USA, building a multi-billion dollar business on high-interest car loans to borrowers with poor credit. That business model — which critics argue preys on financially vulnerable consumers — has followed him into the sports world, where his decisions have drawn similar criticism about prioritizing financial engineering over sporting success.

As owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, Dundon has made moves that have frustrated the fanbase, including controversial personnel decisions, ticket pricing strategies, and a sometimes combative public stance. But his reach extends beyond hockey. Dundon has invested in or acquired stakes in multiple sports ventures, including the AAF football league — which he bought and then shut down after just eight weeks, citing financial concerns.

The AAF collapse is perhaps the most emblematic Dundon story: he stepped in as a savior, insisted on control, and then pulled the plug before anyone could determine whether the league had a viable future. Former players and staff were left without paychecks, and the league's assets were sold off in bankruptcy.

What This Means For You: Ownership matters. When the person controlling your favorite team built their wealth on subprime lending and shut down an entire football league after two months, the odds are their priorities don't align with fans who want wins, not financial optimization. If you're a Hurricanes fan or follow any Dundon-owned property, manage expectations accordingly.