The Dallas Mavericks have announced Rick Welts as the team’s new Chief Executive Officer.
The new appointment takes effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Welts succeeds Cynt Marshall, who is stepping down after nearly seven years of transformative leadership with the franchise.
Welts, a 46-year sports and entertainment industry veteran, brings an unparalleled resume to the Mavericks.
His career includes tenures as President and COO of the Golden State Warriors, President of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and the NBA’s Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and President of NBA Properties.
“Inspiring leadership has been a staple of the Dallas Mavericks since Cynt Marshall started leading the organization in 2018 as CEO. I’m extremely proud that her legacy of success and our family’s vision for the future of this franchise will soon be in the hands of another great leader,” said Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont.
“Rick Welts is among the most successful executives in the history of the NBA and a member of the Hall of Fame. To have him join us as we continue to build on the successful history of the Mavericks is a clear signal that this organization is serious about both growing its position as an elite NBA team and further positioning the franchise among the most popular sports teams in the world.”
Welts began his NBA journey in 1969 as a 16-year-old ballboy for the Seattle SuperSonics.
A decade later, as its public relations director, he played a pivotal role in the franchise’s only NBA championship, which was won in 1979.
His 17-year tenure at the NBA league office in New York produced groundbreaking achievements, including the creation of NBA All-Star Weekend in 1984 and the marketing campaign for the legendary USA Basketball “Dream Team” at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
“It gives me great pleasure to pass the baton to my friend, Rick Welts. From the day I joined the Mavs, I’ve benefited from his knowledge and vast experience in the sports and entertainment industry,” said Marshall.
“I love our team so much and I’m happy that they will be in such great hands. There is no doubt that Rick and his family will embrace and enjoy the wonderful fans, employees and communities in Dallas.”
A native of Seattle, Welts has contributed to championship teams across multiple leagues, winning four NBA titles, two WNBA championships, and one NBA G League title.
His accomplishments earned him induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Marshall, who became the NBA’s first Black female CEO in 2018, leaves behind a legacy of organizational reform and community impact.
Her leadership helped transform the Mavericks into a model of diversity and inclusion in professional sports.
Welts’ appointment marks the next chapter for the Mavericks as they aim to strengthen their position as one of the NBA’s premier franchises.
“The chance to lead this organization in this city at this time is both incredibly exciting and unexpected,” said Welts.
“I appreciate Patrick’s confidence in selecting me to build upon the culture and success that Cynt Marshall and Nico Harrison have created. My long-standing friendships with them both give me a lot of confidence in accepting this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started learning all I can about Dallas and how best to serve our fans and this community.”
DeSoto Tribune Staff