Sarah Anderson
Dec 08, 2023 - 12:05

Mark Cuban selling Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson, Jewish philanthropist and casino owner

Mark Cuban is selling most of the Dallas Mavericks to Jewish billionaire Miriam Adelson for $3.5 billion. Adelson will bring casino expertise.

Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, has reportedly sold a majority stake in his NBA franchise to Miriam Adelson, a casino magnate and Jewish philanthropist. The deal, valued at $3.5 billion, represents a partnership between Cuban and Adelson. Despite the sale, Cuban will retain control over the team's basketball operations, while Adelson is expected to bring her casino expertise to Dallas. This move comes as some lawmakers in Dallas are seeking to legalize recreational gambling.

Miriam Adelson, the widow of longtime Jewish megadonor Sheldon Adelson, is known for her prolific philanthropy to Jewish and pro-Israel causes. Her net worth is estimated at over $30 billion, making her the richest Israeli in the world. Adelson, who is 78 years old, is also known for her support of Republican politicians, including Donald Trump.

Mark Cuban, who purchased the Mavericks in 2000 for $285 million, is a Jewish billionaire known for his entrepreneurial endeavors and his role on the reality show "Shark Tank." He has been involved in Jewish causes and has spoken out against antisemitism, citing his own experiences with discrimination growing up.

The deal between Cuban and Adelson marks the third NBA team to be bought by a Jewish billionaire in the past year. This trend reflects the growing influence of Jewish individuals in professional sports ownership. Notably, the Mavericks do not have any Jewish players, but the team's star, Kyrie Irving, has been involved in a controversy related to antisemitism in the past.

Overall, the sale of the majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson represents a significant partnership between two prominent figures, both of whom have been involved in Jewish causes and philanthropy. The move also reflects the growing presence of Jewish individuals in professional sports ownership.