Rick Welts Named Mavericks’ Next President and CEO, Succeeding Cynt Marshall in January

Rick Welts named Dallas Mavericks CEO, succeeding Cynt Marshall. Welts brings Hall of Fame leadership to build on Marshall’s legacy of inclusion and cultural transformation.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Wednesday that Rick Welts, one of the most accomplished executives in NBA history, will become the team’s president and CEO on January 1, 2025. He will succeed Cynt Marshall, who revolutionized the organization’s culture as the first Black female CEO in league history. Marshall will remain with the Mavericks as a consultant through 2025.

Welts, a Seattle native, began his career as a ballboy with the SuperSonics in 1969 at 16 years old before being part of their championship as a public relations directory in 1979. Over his 46-year career, he’s served as President and COO of the Golden State Warriors, President of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, and Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, and President of NBA Properties. As his career continued, his leadership continued to more championship success with the Warriors (three NBA titles), Mercury (two WNBA titles), and Santa Cruz Warriors (one G League title).

Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, Welts is celebrated for innovations like NBA All-Star Weekend and the marketing of the iconic 1992 “Dream Team.” Along with Val Ackerman, Welts was named “Marketer of the Year” by Brandweek in 1998 for his role in launching the WNBA. Welts, known for his transformative leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the NBA’s front office, was lured out of retirement by Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont. This transition marks a significant new chapter for the franchise.

“Rick is a transformational leader, and we’re thrilled to have him guide the Mavericks into the future,” Dumont said during Wednesday’s press conference. “His impact on this league is unparalleled, and I have no doubt he’ll bring the same excellence to Dallas that he has throughout his legendary career.”

Welts Reflects on the Opportunity

Welts expressed his excitement about the role and admiration for what Marshall accomplished during her tenure.

“When Patrick first approached me about this opportunity, I wasn’t sure I wanted to come out of retirement,” Welts admitted. “But the chance to work with the Mavericks, an organization with such a strong foundation thanks to Cynt, was something I couldn’t pass up. I’m honored to continue the incredible work she’s done here.”

Welts also emphasized the importance of continuing the Mavericks’ commitment to diversity and inclusion, a cornerstone of Marshall’s leadership.

“I’m a big believer in inclusion,” Welts said. “When you have people with diverse backgrounds contributing, it enriches conversations and leads to better business results. It’s not just a social strategy; it’s a business strategy.”

Marshall’s Legacy and the Leadership Transition

Marshall was hired by then-Mavericks governor Mark Cuban in 2018. She was tasked with rebuilding the organization’s culture after reports of workplace misconduct surfaced. During her tenure, she instituted sweeping changes, increasing the representation of women and people of color in leadership roles and fostering a workplace rooted in integrity and accountability.

“When I came to the Mavericks, I knew we had a lot of work to do,” Marshall said during the press conference. “But I also knew that this organization had the potential to lead the way—not just in the NBA, but across all of sports. Together, we’ve built a culture of trust, inclusion, and excellence.”

Marshall symbolically passed a baton to Welts during the announcement, signifying the transfer of leadership. Reflecting on the gesture, she added, “This isn’t just about handing over a title—it’s about entrusting a legacy. Rick is someone who understands what it means to lead with integrity, and I couldn’t be more confident in his ability to take this organization to new heights.”

Welts expressed his admiration for Marshall, saying, “The biggest lesson I’ve learned from Cynt is the importance of empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and know their contributions make a difference. That’s a legacy I’m committed to upholding.”

Praise from Klay Thompson and Others

The news of Welts’ appointment was met with excitement from across the league, including Mavericks forward Klay Thompson, who worked closely with Welts during his tenure with the Golden State Warriors.

“I’m very excited,” Thompson told reporters. “I’ve got a great past with Rick. I’ve lost a few bets to him from the Apple Cup [the annual football game between Washington State and the University of Washington] because he’s a Huskies alum. We always have that rivalry going. It’s an incredible hire for the team and for me.”

A four-time NBA champion, Thompson also spoke about Welts’ character and leadership. “Rick is one of the best minds in basketball, but even more than that, he’s a great person. He knows how to build winning organizations, and I know he’ll do great things here.”

Dumont echoed Thompson’s sentiments, saying, “Rick’s leadership is the kind of leadership that not only wins games but sets a standard for how a professional sports team should operate.”

Welts’ Vision for the Future

Welts, who made history in 2011 as the first openly gay sports executive, has been a vocal advocate for inclusivity in athletics. His work has earned him accolades, including his 2018 induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In Dallas, Welts aims to build on Marshall’s foundation while bringing his vision to the role.

“The Mavericks are an incredible organization with a rich history and a bright future,” Welts said. “This is an opportunity to not only continue the progress that’s been made but to set new standards for excellence on and off the court. The Mavericks have all the tools to be a championship organization, but more importantly, they have the values to lead in a way that impacts the community positively.”

Looking Ahead

As the Mavericks prepare for this leadership transition, Marshall and Welts stressed their shared belief in the power of culture and inclusion to drive success. Marked by her groundbreaking leadership and unwavering commitment to equity, Marshall's tenure leaves a high bar for Welts. However, with his storied career and commitment to excellence, Welts appears ready to meet the challenge.

“I’m ready to get to work,” Welts said. “This organization has a bright future, and I’m honored to be part of it.”

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