DALLAS (AP) — Tom Hicks, a notable Texas businessman and philanthropist known for owning several sports teams, has passed away at 79. He died peacefully in Dallas surrounded by family, as confirmed by spokesperson Lisa LeMaster.
Hicks owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1999. He also owned the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, a time when the team secured three division titles and made its first World Series appearance shortly after he sold it. Additionally, in 2007, Hicks purchased a 50% stake in the Liverpool soccer team.
Fellow sports owner Jerry Jones shared heartfelt words about Hicks, emphasizing their strong bond built on respect and friendship. “I’ll miss him greatly,” he said, extending his condolences to Hicks’ family.
In the world of private equity, Hicks made a significant impact by co-founding Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989. His innovative approaches reshaped investment strategies. Texas entrepreneur Ross Perot Jr. praised Hicks as a pioneer in the field, highlighting his dedication to both business and sports.
One of Hicks’ most memorable milestones with the Rangers came when the team signed Alex Rodriguez to a groundbreaking $252 million contract in 2000. This deal was notable not just for its size, but also because it exceeded the cost of purchasing the entire team just a couple of years earlier. Rodriguez notably led the American League in home runs during his time with the Rangers before moving to the New York Yankees in 2004.
The Rangers experienced their first World Series appearance in 2010, a historic moment that occurred after a tumultuous ownership transition. Following a bankruptcy case, the team was sold to a new ownership group, which included Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.
The Dallas Stars made history under Hicks, becoming the first team from the Sun Belt to win the Stanley Cup in 1999. They captured this win with a dramatic game against Buffalo, with Brett Hull scoring the decisive goal, a feat made possible by Hicks’ strategic signings. In 2001, the Stars moved to the American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas, where they still play today. The team later faced its own financial struggles, resulting in a sale in 2011.
His contributions extended beyond sports; Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held a position with the American Battle Monuments Commission. He was also part of the University of Texas Board of Regents between 1994 and 1999.
Hicks is remembered not just for his achievements but for his family as well. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda, and their six children. In a heartfelt family statement, they expressed their pride in his legacy and the love he showed them.
The Texas Rangers honored Hicks as a passionate owner and dedicated fan, extending their thoughts to his family as they mourn the loss of a significant figure in Texas sports and business.
For more on Hicks’ contributions and the world of sports business, check out [AP Sports](https://apnews.com/sports).
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