Tom Hicks, the prominent Texas businessman and sports team owner, died on March 15, 2025, at the age of 79. Hicks was best known for his ownership of the NHL’s Dallas Stars and MLB’s Texas Rangers, as well as a significant stake in the English Premier League team Liverpool FC. His passing marks the end of an era for many in the sports industry and his philanthropic endeavors.
Hicks owned the Dallas Stars from 1995 until 2011, during which time the team clinched the Stanley Cup in 1999. He acquired the Texas Rangers in 1998 and maintained ownership until 2010, leading the team to three American League West Division titles and a World Series appearance. In 2007, he purchased a 50% stake in Liverpool FC, further solidifying his impact on both American and international sports.
Hicks’s contributions extended beyond sports. He co-founded the private equity firms Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, playing a pivotal role in reshaping the private equity landscape. Fellow businessman Ross Perot Jr. described Hicks as “an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity,” reflecting on his unique blend of business acumen and love for sports.
Legacy and Personal Life
Throughout his life, Hicks was known for his strong family values. He is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. The family released a heartfelt statement, emphasizing that “of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’”
His influence also extended into public service. Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and was the Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. Additionally, he was a member of the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999, further underscoring his commitment to education and community service.
Reactions and Tributes
Tributes have poured in from various sectors, highlighting Hicks’s impact on both sports and business. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones remarked on their shared experiences, stating, “Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though. It was about personal respect, trust, and friendship.” Jones expressed deep sorrow over the loss, extending his condolences to Hicks’s family.
Hicks’s passing leaves a significant void in the sports community, where he was celebrated not just for his business success, but also for his dedication to nurturing talent and fostering team spirit. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations in both sports and philanthropy.
