A group of local investors has expressed interest in partnering with former majority owner Mark Cuban to repurchase the Dallas Mavericks from current owners Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont. This report from Marc Stein has fueled speculation among fans about a potential return for traded star Luka Dončić. However, the current ownership has reaffirmed their commitment to the franchise.
The Dallas Mavericks have been in the spotlight since trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers more than a year ago. Subsequent developments include a lottery win leading to the selection of Cooper Flagg, the firing of general manager Nico Harrison in November, and a recent trade acquiring Anthony Davis.
On Monday, journalist Marc Stein reported that local investors have "registered tangible interest in partnering with former majority owner Mark Cuban to try to buy the franchise back from the Dumont and Adelson families." The Adelson and Dumont families, who acquired the team at a $3.5 billion valuation about two years ago, now see it valued at $5.1 billion according to Forbes. A source close to Patrick Dumont stated to Stein that "the family remains excited about the future of the franchise and the Cooper Flagg era."
The Mavericks' lease at the American Airlines Center expires in 2031, and the team is seeking a new arena. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Sands Corp., owned by the Dumont and Adelson families, plans a resort development in Dallas, though casino gambling remains illegal in Texas, requiring a constitutional amendment for legalization.
In February, following the Dončić trade, Patrick Dumont told The Dallas Morning News, "The Dallas Mavericks are not moving to Las Vegas. There is no question in that. That is the answer, unequivocally. The Dallas Mavericks are the Dallas Mavericks and they will be in Dallas."
Separate reporting by Brad Townsend suggested the NBA Board of Governors may vote this summer on expanding by two teams, with Las Vegas and Seattle as favorites. This has led to speculation linking the ownership rumors to potential expansion opportunities.
Dončić, now with the Lakers, signed a contract extension last offseason with a player option for 2028-29. Reports noted he had purchased a home in Dallas just before the trade. The Mavericks currently have only three players under contract for 2028: Daniel Gafford, P.J. Washington, and Cooper Flagg. The Lakers, who did not advance past the first playoff round last season, hold the sixth-best odds to win the Western Conference.
While the investor interest is tangible, no sale is indicated, and much of the surrounding discussion remains speculative.