It all started with the most recent owner, Tom Ricketts, who bought the Cubs and brought them out from under the Wrigley / Tribune corporate umbrella. Ricketts had a vision for the Cubs that included deals with the city for zoning and construction that allowed him to increase their revenue streams. With that revenue he sought the best of the best for his organization including team manager, general manager, executive VP and of course free agent players.
Ricketts took over in 2009 and it took him (7) years to build a champion.
As long as the Bills have a proactive owner interested in building a winner there will be hope.