Mark Cuban was interested in buying Mavericks back — here’s what stopped him
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- The 67-year-old Cuban, who was outspoken against the Doncic trade, was asked by FrontOffice Sports if he was interested in buying back the club and was clear about his willingness to do so and the hurdles that way face.
- “If there was any chance of being able to do that anymore, I would, but that’s just not the game anymore,” he said.
- He was willing to do his part to get control of the team back if the Adelsons were interested in selling, but strongly believed that wasn’t a viable scenario.
Mark Cuban, the billionaire entrepreneur and former majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has expressed a desire to reacquire the team he sold to the Adelson family in December 2023. Cuban sold 73 percent of his stake for $3.5 million after 23 years of ownership. Since the sale, the Mavericks have struggled significantly, failing to make the playoffs for two consecutive seasons with a combined record of 65-99. This downturn in performance is attributed to injuries sustained by key players Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving, as well as Cuban's disapproval of the trade involving Luka Doncic, which he believes has had a lasting negative impact on the team. Despite his interest in buying back the team, Cuban faces substantial obstacles. The Adelson family, who currently hold the majority stake, have shown no interest in selling, a scenario Cuban views as unlikely to change. He has publicly stated his willingness to reacquire the Mavericks if the opportunity arose, but acknowledged the challenges, saying, 'If there was any chance of being able to do that anymore, I would, but that’s just not the game anymore.'
The Mavericks' current roster includes NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, yet the team has not been able to translate individual talent into collective success. The franchise's recent struggles contrast sharply with its previous achievements under Cuban's ownership, including an NBA Finals appearance in the 2023-24 season. Cuban's interest in the Mavericks is not just a matter of personal investment but also reflects his long-standing commitment to the team and its fans. His outspoken nature and business acumen have been central to the Mavericks' identity, and his potential return as an owner could signal a new chapter for the franchise. The situation highlights the complexities of NBA ownership and the challenges faced by former owners seeking to regain control of their teams. Cuban's case underscores the broader dynamics of sports franchise ownership, where financial considerations and personal relationships play pivotal roles. As the Mavericks continue to navigate their current challenges, the prospect of Cuban's return remains uncertain. The team's performance and the Adelson family's stance on ownership will be key factors in determining the future direction of the franchise.
Left- and right-leaning outlets are covering this story differently — in which facts to emphasize, which context to include, and how to frame causes and consequences.