Texas Businessman and Sports Owner Tom Hicks Dies at 79 in Dallas
Tom Hicks Dies at 79 in Dallas
Tom Hicks, a Texas businessman and philanthropist who owned two professional sports franchises in the Dallas area and an English Premier League soccer team, died on Saturday in Dallas at the age of 79. Spokesperson Lisa LeMaster said in a statement that Hicks died peacefully in Dallas, surrounded by his family.
Ownership of Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and Liverpool
Hicks owned the NHL's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011. During his tenure as owner, the Dallas Stars won the Stanley Cup in 1999. He also owned Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010. Under his ownership, the Texas Rangers won three American West Division titles and made a World Series appearance. In 2007, Hicks acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool, an English Premier League soccer club.
Business Career and Private Equity Leadership
In 1984, Hicks co-founded the firm Hicks & Haas. He later co-founded Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989. These ventures contributed to reshaping private equity and investing strategy, according to descriptions of his business activities. Fellow Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr. said in a statement that Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity, noting that Hicks combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers.
Public Service and Institutional Roles
Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves. He also held the position of Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. In higher education governance, he served on the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Family and Survivors
Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. In a joint statement, his children described him as a devoted father and expressed that they are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy. They stated that, although they are devastated by his loss, they are profoundly grateful to have been his children.
Tributes from Sports Community
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones issued a statement referencing his relationship with Hicks, noting that their time together extended beyond sports venues and emphasizing personal respect, trust, and friendship. Jones said he would miss Hicks and extended his condolences to Hicks’s family.