Remembering Tom Hicks: A Legacy of Business, Sports, and Philanthropy
Tom Hicks, a prominent Texas businessman and philanthropist, passed away at the age of 79 in Dallas. He was the owner of the NHL's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, during which the team won the Stanley Cup in 1999. Hicks also owned the Texas Rangers baseball team from 1998 to 2010, leading them to multiple division titles and a World Series appearance. In addition, he acquired a 50% stake in the English Premier League soccer team, Liverpool, in 2007.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed his condolences, highlighting the personal connection he shared with Hicks beyond their sports ventures. Hicks was known for his innovative business strategies and played a significant role in reshaping private equity and investing. He co-founded Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Hicks, who served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held various leadership positions, including Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission, was also a member of the University of Texas’s Board of Regents. He is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children, who described him as a devoted father and a source of inspiration for the family. Despite the profound loss, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity to carry on his legacy.
Tom Hicks's legacy extends beyond his business ventures and sports ownership, leaving a lasting impact on the private equity industry and the teams he led. His family and colleagues remember him not only for his professional achievements but also for his generosity, love, and unwavering commitment to his loved ones.