Dallas – After two years at the helm of the Dallas Mavericks, longtime NBA executive Rick Welts will step down at the close of 2026. Welts, a 73‑year‑old Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, will be succeeded by Mavericks president Ethan Casson, who assumes the CEO role on Jan. 1, 2027.
Welts’ legacy and the next chapter
Welts joined the Mavericks in December 2024, succeeding Cynt Marshall, the first Black female CEO of any NBA franchise. During his tenure he has overseen the team’s continued on‑court success and has been a driving force behind the franchise’s arena‑development effort.
“Rick joined the Mavericks at an important moment for our organization, and his leadership, judgment, and experience have been invaluable,” said Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont. “He has helped strengthen our leadership team, advance our long‑term vision and position the organization for continued success. Just as importantly, Rick and Ethan have built a strong partnership that has created a natural and seamless path forward.”
Dumont added, “When Ethan joined the Mavericks, we knew we were adding an accomplished leader who could help us build for the long term. Watching Rick and Ethan work together has only reinforced our confidence that Ethan is the right person to lead the Mavericks into this next chapter.”
Arena plans remain a top priority
The Mavericks are actively redeveloping the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas into a mixed‑use entertainment district anchored by a new arena. Local businesses hope the project will bring jobs and revitalization to the area, while some merchants in Victory Park, home of the American Airlines Center, worry the move could reduce foot traffic.
Both the Mavericks and the Dallas Stars have indicated that a final decision on the new arena will not be made until 2027, with existing leases at the AAC set to expire in 2031. The Stars are also exploring a potential relocation to Plano, underscoring the importance of a timely resolution for the city’s sports landscape.
Welts’ storied NBA career
Welts’ NBA journey began in 1969 as a 16‑year‑old ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics (now the Oklahoma City Thunder). He later served in the SuperSonics front office during their 1979 championship run, helped launch the WNBA and NBA All‑Star Weekend while working in the league office, and held senior roles with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, where the Mercury captured titles in 2007 and 2009.
He was also a key executive for the Golden State Warriors during their championship years in 2015, 2017 and 2018, and played a pivotal role in guiding the Warriors into the Chase Center in 2019. In 2011, Welts made national headlines as the highest‑ranking executive in men’s professional team sports to publicly come out as gay, a milestone for inclusion in sports.
Casson ready to lead
Ethan Casson arrives with a résumé that includes nine seasons as CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and a stint as COO of the San Francisco 49ers, where he helped oversee the move into Levi’s Stadium in 2014. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Dallas Mavericks, and I am grateful to Patrick for his trust and confidence,” Casson said. “I also want to recognize Rick. His impact on this organization, our industry, and on me personally is difficult to overstate. We’ve spent the last 15 months working closely together to build a foundation for the future, and I am excited to carry that work forward alongside our talented team.”
Casson emphasized the broader vision beyond basketball: “Our vision extends well beyond the court. From developing a world‑class arena and entertainment district to deepening our relationships with fans, partners, and the community, we have an opportunity to create something that truly reflects the ambition, energy, and spirit of Dallas.”
What’s next for Dallas fans
With Welts’ retirement confirmed and Casson set to take over, the Mavericks are poised to continue their pursuit of a state‑of‑the‑art arena that could reshape North Dallas’s economic landscape. The franchise’s commitment to community engagement and long‑term growth remains a central theme as the city watches the next phase of its sports and entertainment development.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
