Texas billionaire and former sports team owner Tom Hicks has died at the age of 79.
Hicks passed away on Saturday in Dallas, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from Hicks Holdings LLC, shared on the Liverpool website on Sunday.
A prominent figure in American sports business, Hicks owned the NHL’s Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, leading the club to its 1999 Stanley Cup victory. He also owned Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers between 1998 and 2010, guiding the team to a World Series appearance.
In 2007, Hicks acquired a 50% stake in Liverpool FC. His co-ownership was marked by financial and management disputes, which ultimately culminated in the sale of the club.
Reacting to Hicks’ death, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones described him as a “champion of sports” and recalled their close friendship.
“Tom was a close friend and a great partner. He dreamed big, and watching him bring the Stanley Cup here to Dallas was something I will always cherish,” Jones said. “Fans could feel the heartbeat of our teams and our community together… We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family.”
Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, six children, and 14 grandchildren.
In a family statement, they said that of all his achievements, his “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,” the statement added.
