Tom Hicks, the Texas businessman and philanthropist who owned two Dallas-area professional sports franchises and an English Premier League soccer team, died Saturday. He was 79.
Spokesperson Lisa LeMaster said in statement that Hicks died peacefully in Dallas surrounded by family.
A Life of Sports and Business
Hicks owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995–2011, winning the Stanley Cup in 1999. He also owned baseball’s Texas Rangers from 1998–2010, leading them to three American West Division titles and a World Series appearance. In 2007, he acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool.
Tributes from Colleagues
“Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though,” Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “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.”
“Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity,” fellow Texas businessman Ross Perot Jr. said in a statement. “He combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers.”
Military and Educational Service
Hicks served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and was Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He served on the University of Texas’s Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Business Foundations
Hicks co‑founded Hicks & Haas in 1984 and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, helping reshape private equity and investing strategy.
Family and Legacy
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.
His children released a joint statement, saying:
“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. Although we are devastated by this loss, we are profoundly grateful to have been his children.”
Liverpool Stake
In 2007, Hicks acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool, the English Premier League soccer team.
Liverpool and Beyond
Liverpool superstar Mo Salah continues to be a prominent goal scorer in the Premier League. Here are five things to know about the star forward.
Key Takeaways
- Tom Hicks died peacefully in Dallas at age 79, surrounded by family.
- He owned the Dallas Stars (1995–2011) and Texas Rangers (1998–2010) and held a 50% stake in Liverpool from 2007.
- Colleagues and family praised his leadership, generosity, and impact on sports and business.
- Hicks served as a paratrooper, Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission, and on the University of Texas Board of Regents.
- His business legacy includes co‑founding Hicks & Haas and Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst.
The passing of Tom Hicks marks the end of a notable career that bridged sports, business, and public service, leaving a lasting influence on the teams he led and the communities he served.
