Tom Hicks, the influential Texas businessman and philanthropist who held ownership stakes in major sports teams on both sides of the Atlantic, has died at the age of 79.
A Legacy Forged in Dallas and Liverpool
Hicks passed away peacefully in Dallas on Saturday, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by spokesperson Lisa LeMaster. His remarkable career in sports ownership left an indelible mark on the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, and the English Premier League.
His tenure in professional sports began in 1995 when he acquired the NHL's Dallas Stars, a move that culminated in the franchise lifting the Stanley Cup in 1999. He expanded his portfolio in 1998 by purchasing baseball's Texas Rangers, leading the team to three American West Division titles and an appearance in the World Series.
In a move that captured global attention, Hicks entered English football in 2007 by acquiring a 50% stake in the historic Liverpool Football Club, a period that was both ambitious and contentious for the Anfield side.
More Than a Sports Owner: A Business Pioneer
Beyond the stadiums, Hicks was a titan of finance. He co-founded the private equity firm Hicks & Haas in 1984, followed by the influential Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989. These ventures helped reshape investment strategies in the United States.
"Tom Hicks was an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity," said fellow Texan entrepreneur Ross Perot Jr. "He combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers."
His life also included distinguished service. He served as a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and held the role of Commissioner for the American Battle Monuments Commission. From 1994 to 1999, he contributed to higher education as a member of the University of Texas's Board of Regents.
Personal Tributes and a Lasting Legacy
The news prompted heartfelt tributes from across the sports world. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones highlighted their deep personal bond, stating, "Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums... It was about personal respect, trust and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly."
Tom Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children. In a joint statement, his children memorialised him first and foremost as a father: "Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’... He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy."
His passing marks the end of an era for the sports franchises he led and the business landscape he helped transform, leaving behind a complex and multifaceted legacy from Texas to Merseyside.
