Mavericks CEO Welts retiring after two years on job; arena plans remain in flux

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, who previously worked for the Golden State Warriors, is retiring at the end of the year. Welts took the job in Dec. 2024, replacing Cynt Marshall, the first Black female CEO of any NBA team; Welts will be replaced by Mavs president Ethan Casson.

Casson joined the Mavericks last year.

Welts, 73, is a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer who helped guide the Warriors into the Chase Center in 2019 and was helping lead the Mavs in their search for a new arena. The Mavericks are in the process of redeveloping the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas. Businesses in the area are hoping the Mavs finalize plans to make the area their home next decade; businesses in Victory Park, the home of the American Airlines Center, are worried the move may kill their foot traffic, with the Stars planning to leave, too. The Mavs have said no decision will be made until 2027. Both teams’ leases at the AAC expire in 2031 (The Stars have been eyeing Plano).

Welts NBA experience dates back to 1969 when he started as a 16-year-old ball boy with the Seattle SuperSonics (now OKC Thunder). A decade later, Welts was in the team’s front office for their 1979 NBA Championship run. Welts also worked in the NBA’s league office, helping to launch the WNBA and NBA All-Star Weekend. He also served as president and COO of the Phoenix teams; the WNBA’s Mercury won championships in 2007 and ’09. Welts was a part of the Warriors’ front office when they won championships in 2015, ’17 and ’18.

“Rick joined the Mavericks at an important moment for our organization, and his leadership, judgment, and experience have been invaluable,” said Dallas Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont. “He has helped strengthen our leadership team, advance our long-term vision and position the organization for continued success. Just as importantly, Rick and Ethan have built a strong partnership that has created a natural and seamless path forward.”

“When Ethan joined the Mavericks, we knew we were adding an accomplished leader who could help us build for the long term,” Dumont added. “Watching Rick and Ethan work together has only reinforced our confidence that Ethan is the right person to lead the Mavericks into this next chapter.”

In 2011, Welts made national headlines by becoming the highest-ranking executive in men’s professional team sports to publicly come out as gay, in a front-page story in The New York Times. Just months later, he resigned from the Suns and moved to California.

Welts first retired in 2021, taking three years off before returning to the Mavs. It was Dumont’s first big hire as owner.

“When I came to Dallas, I saw an extraordinary opportunity to help build something meaningful for the future of this franchise, and I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made,” Welts said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work side by side with Ethan, and I’ve seen firsthand the leadership, integrity, and vision he brings to this organization. I have complete confidence in him and could not feel better about the future of the Dallas Mavericks.”

In Welts’ first 100 days, he experienced the low of the shocking Luka Dončić trade and the high of landing the No. 1 draft pick, used to sign rookie sensation Cooper Flagg.

Casson spent nine seasons as CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was previously COO of the San Francisco 49ers, who moved into Levi’s Stadium IN 2014.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to lead the Dallas Mavericks, and I am grateful to Patrick for his trust and confidence,” Casson said. “I also want to recognize Rick. His impact on this organization, our industry, and on me personally is difficult to overstate. We’ve spent the last 15 months working closely together to build a foundation for the future, and I am excited to carry that work forward alongside our talented team.

“Our vision extends well beyond the basketball court. From developing a world-class arena and entertainment district to deepening our relationships with fans, partners, and the community, we have an opportunity to create something that truly reflects the ambition, energy, and spirit of Dallas.”

Welts will serve through the end of the year before Casson takes over Jan. 1, 2027.