Tom Hicks, the influential Texas businessman and former owner of the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and Liverpool FC, passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 79. Hicks was a prominent figure in both the sports and business communities, known for his significant contributions to private equity and his leadership of multiple professional sports franchises.
Hicks owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, during which time the team secured the Stanley Cup in 1999, marking a high point in its history. He later became the owner of the Texas Rangers in Major League Baseball from 1998 to 2010. Under his ownership, the Rangers achieved three American West Division titles and made a notable World Series appearance. In 2007, Hicks expanded his sports portfolio by acquiring a 50% stake in Liverpool FC, a prominent team in the English Premier League.
Reflecting on Hicks’s impact, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones stated, “Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though. It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family.”
Hicks co-founded two private equity firms, Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, which played crucial roles in reshaping the private equity landscape. Business associate Ross Perot Jr. praised Hicks’s innovative approach and his seamless integration of business and sports. “Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity,” he remarked.
In addition to his business achievements, Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held the position of Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He was also a member of the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999, contributing to the institution’s governance.
Hicks is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, with whom he shared 35 years of marriage, and their six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. In a poignant tribute, his family expressed that, “Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’ No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family. He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy.”
Hicks’s passing marks a significant loss in the world of sports and business, as he leaves behind a legacy defined by achievement, innovation, and deep personal connections. His contributions to both fields will be remembered and celebrated by many who were influenced by his vision and leadership.
