Tom Dundon: The Billionaire Transforming the Carolina Hurricanes
From Auto Lending to Hockey Ownership – Tom Dundon’s Unconventional Path
Tom Dundon, the self-made billionaire and owner of the Carolina Hurricanes, has reshaped the franchise since taking over in 2018. Under his leadership, the once-struggling NHL team has made six consecutive playoff appearances, including two Eastern Conference Finals (2019, 2023).
In a recent interview on The David Glenn Show, Dundon shared insights on his business philosophy, the Hurricanes’ future, and his efforts to bring Major League Baseball (MLB) to Raleigh.
Turning Around the Hurricanes
The Athletic ran an article earlier this year calling Tom Dundon the worst owner in the NHL https://t.co/Lu07XdR6C4 pic.twitter.com/9DH5w11gVg
— Texas Blazer (@Texas_Blazer) August 13, 2025
When Dundon purchased a majority stake in the Hurricanes in 2018, the team was mired in a nine-year playoff drought—one of the longest in NHL history. His approach? Efficiency, smart spending, and trust in his staff.
Hired Rod Brind’Amour (a former Hurricanes captain) as head coach
Invested in analytics to maximize player performance
Kept ticket prices affordable to grow the fanbase
“You can’t predict the future, but you can control how you prepare for it,” Dundon said.
The results speak for themselves:
Six straight playoff berths
Tripled the franchise’s valuation (from ~$300M to nearly $1B)
Renewed fan engagement with a packed Lenovo Center (formerly PNC Arena)
The Push for MLB in Raleigh
New Blazers owner Tom Dundon was ranked the 16th best (out of 32) NHL Team owner. Here’s what the article said about him.
Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/JZjlLu1fuK
— RIPCITYY🌹 (@shaesharpeshow) August 13, 2025
Dundon isn’t stopping at hockey. He’s spearheading efforts to bring an MLB team to Raleigh, working with local leaders and investors.
Why Raleigh?
Growing market with no MLB team
Strong college baseball culture (NC State, UNC, Duke)
Potential for a mixed-use stadium district
“It’s a slow burn,” Dundon admitted. “But we’re making sure we’re ready when the opportunity comes.”
Key hurdles remain:
Corporate sponsorship commitments
Stadium financing & location
MLB expansion timeline (likely late 2020s)
Leadership Style: Pragmatic & Hands-Off
Unlike flashy sports owners, Dundon prefers:
No office at the arena (“I don’t even have a phone there”)
Casual attire (hoodies over suits)
Delegating to experts (GM Eric Tulsky, President Doug Warf)
“I don’t add much value day-to-day,” he joked. “I just make sure we’re heading in the right direction.”
What’s Next for Dundon & the Hurricanes?
Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon has agreed to buy the Trail Blazers from Paul Allen’s Estate for over $4 billion 💰
The team will remain in Portland. pic.twitter.com/GEpLs0MxcJ
— Mr. Portland (@Mr_Portland) August 13, 2025
Stanley Cup aspirations – Can the Canes finally break through?
$1B arena district development – Apartments, hotels, and retail around the Lenovo Center
MLB expansion bid – Will Raleigh land a team?
“I never thought about not owning the Hurricanes,” Dundon said. “This is what I love doing.”
Final Thoughts
Tom Dundon isn’t your typical sports owner. His data-driven, no-nonsense approach has revitalized the Hurricanes—and could soon bring MLB to North Carolina.
Whether on the ice or in business, Dundon proves that smart decisions, not ego, drive success.
