Tom Hicks, Sports Franchise Owner, Passes Away at 79

Tom Hicks, the Texas businessman renowned for his ownership of multiple professional sports franchises, died on March 16, 2024, at the age of 79. A spokesperson, Lisa LeMaster, confirmed that Hicks passed away peacefully in Dallas, surrounded by his family.

Hicks’s prominent sports career began when he acquired the NHL’s Dallas Stars in 1995, a franchise he owned until 2011. Under his leadership, the team achieved significant success, culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 1999. In addition to the Stars, Hicks purchased the Texas Rangers in 1998, guiding the team through three American West Division titles and a World Series appearance in 2010. His influence extended beyond American sports, as he also held a 50% stake in the English Premier League club, Liverpool FC, acquired in 2007.

The sports community has expressed its condolences following Hicks’s death. Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, reflected on their friendship, stating, “Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though. It was about personal respect, trust, and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly.”

Hicks’s contributions were not limited to sports. He co-founded Hicks & Haas in 1984, a venture that significantly impacted private equity and investment strategies. He also served on the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999, further demonstrating his commitment to the community.

In a statement, Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr. commended Hicks as “an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity.” He remarked on Hicks’s unique ability to blend his passions for business and sports through his ownership roles.

Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. The family released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing that “of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’ No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.”

As his family navigates this profound loss, they expressed gratitude for the legacy Hicks leaves behind. They stated, “He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy.”

Tom Hicks’s legacy as a sports owner and businessman will surely be remembered, reflecting his significant impact on the Dallas sports landscape and beyond.