Tom Hicks, the prominent Texas-based businessman and philanthropist who left a significant mark on the world of professional sports on both sides of the Atlantic, passed away on Saturday. He was 79 years old.
His spokesperson, Lisa LeMaster, confirmed the news in a statement, saying Hicks died peacefully in Dallas, surrounded by his loving family.
A Legacy Forged in Sports Ownership
Tom Hicks was best known to sports fans for his influential ownership of major league franchises. His journey in sports began with the purchase of the National Hockey League's (NHL) Dallas Stars in 1995. Under his stewardship, the team achieved its pinnacle success, winning the coveted Stanley Cup in 1999. Hicks held ownership of the Stars until 2011.
He expanded his sports portfolio in 1998 by acquiring Major League Baseball's (MLB) Texas Rangers. During his tenure until 2010, the Rangers secured three American League West Division titles and made a memorable appearance in the World Series. His most notable international sports venture came in 2007 when he acquired a 50% stake in the legendary English Premier League football club, Liverpool FC.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a close friend and fellow sports magnate, paid a heartfelt tribute. "Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though," Jones said. "It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly."
Pioneering Businessman and Philanthropist
Beyond the stadiums, Tom Hicks was a titan in the world of finance. He co-founded the private equity firm Hicks & Haas in 1984, a move that helped reshape investment strategies in the sector. His business acumen earned him widespread respect.
"Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity," said fellow Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr. "He combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers."
Hicks also dedicated time to public service, serving on the University of Texas's Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Family Man Above All
Tom Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks.
In a moving joint statement, his children highlighted his role as a father as his greatest achievement. "Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad,’" they said. "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."
The passing of Tom Hicks marks the end of an era for the sports communities in Dallas and Liverpool, and for the world of American private equity, where he was a true visionary.
