Remembering Tom Hicks: A Legacy of Sports and Business in Texas
Tom Hicks, a prominent Texas businessman and sports team owner, passed away at the age of 79 in Dallas. He was known for owning 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 three American West Division titles and their first World Series appearance. In addition, he acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool in 2007.
Hicks was a co-founder of Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, where he made significant contributions to private equity and investing strategies. One of his notable moments with the Rangers was signing Alex Rodriguez to a record-breaking contract in 2000. Rodriguez's deal was the largest in sports history at the time, surpassing the previous record set by Kevin Garnett in the NBA.
Under Hicks' ownership, the Dallas Stars became the first NHL team from the Sun Belt to win the Stanley Cup in 1999. He also played a key role in the development of the American Airlines Center and the growth of hockey in Dallas. Hicks' legacy in sports and business will be honored by the teams he owned for years to come.
Hicks is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children. His children expressed their gratitude for his love and generosity, highlighting his role as a guiding force in their lives. The Texas Rangers extended their condolences to the Hicks family, recognizing Tom Hicks as a passionate owner and sports enthusiast who made a lasting impact on Texas sports culture.