Remembering Tom Hicks
Last weekend, the city of Dallas lost a legend.
Tom Hicks, the man who bought and owned the Dallas Stars at the peak of their current franchise history, passed away on December 6th, 2025—a sports legend who shaped and changed the lives of many.
Owning the Stars
In 1997, Hicks purchased an NHL team in Dallas. A move that would help to make hockey mainstream in both Dallas and Texas. Despite all the stereotypes about ice and hockey in Texas, it didn’t stop “The New York Businessman” who wanted to see hockey in Dallas thrive alongside the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys in the nineties.
Hicks owned a team that accomplished the pinnacle of its sport right here in Dallas. It only took two years to achieve what many thought was impossible at the time: a Stanley Cup in the Sun Belt of the USA. Inspiring the growth of hockey all over Texas, and for other teams in nontraditional markets in the NHL to grow and succeed.
Other Teams Owned by Hicks
Hicks was an avid sports fan. He dedicated his life to being involved in multiple sports. Outside of hockey, Hicks expanded his entrepreneurship to baseball and soccer. Another team Hicks owned in the Dallas/Fort Worth area: the MLB’s Texas Rangers. From 1998 to 2010, Hicks owned the Rangers. Winning the AL West back-to-back in 1998 and 1999. As well as signing future MLB legend Alex Rodriguez.
From February 2007 to October 2010, Hicks also owned Liverpool FC in soccer’s Premier League in England. While it wasn’t as successful an endeavor as his ownership of sports teams in Texas, USA, it’s still a neat resume builder for a man who was never afraid to roll the dice.
Legacy Outside of Sports
As a businessman, Hicks was a savvy owner outside of sports, too. Hicks bought stakes in soft drinks that including Dr. Pepper, and 7UP. Showing that he can impact the world outside of the realm of sports
Hicks also got into iHeart and many other businesses. Helping to influence how we listen to music today
Hicks was indeed a gambler. While his entrepreneurship and philanthropy were commendable, he also made mistakes. Biting off more than he could chew, and taking risks as bankruptcy and stock market crashes were inevitable.
One of the biggest lessons we can take from Hicks’s legacy is not to let fear of mistakes stop you from achieving success and taking risks. Hicks had one life like everybody else, and throughout his many ups and downs, he went all in on his many ventures.
A Pure Texan
Born in Texas, he lived there until his death. Hicks will always be a sports icon in the state of Texas. He reached the pinnacle of a sport with a team that he owned deep in the heart of Texas.
Not only is Hicks memorable in sports in his home state of Texas, but he also has an elementary school named after him, and his honor in Frisco, Texas.
Hicks showed the world that he could build empires, give back to his community, and take risks through the duration of his life that started, and ended in Texas.
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Categorized:News Stars Unique Column