Don Carter
The founding owner who guaranteed the entry fee.
Donald J. Carter (July 5, 1933 – February 14, 2018) was an American investor and businessman who served as a founding owner of the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA and the Dallas Sidekicks in the MISL. Born into a poor family in Arkansas, he rose from dropping out of high school to working at a gas station for drag racing funds before joining his mother's home party business, Home Interiors and Gifts, which netted him millions. At the time of his death, Carter remained a minority partner in the Mavericks, recognized as a familiar courtside presence always wearing a cowboy hat.
- Role
- Founding Owner
- Affiliation
- Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Sidekicks
- Era
- 1980–2018
- Status
- Deceased (February 14, 2018)
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
In 1980, Carter and Norm Sonju founded the Dallas Mavericks. When Sonju struggled to secure the US$12 million expansion entry fee, Carter stepped forward personally to guarantee its payment. This initial investment, valued at US$46.9 million in today's terms, eventually earned him US$125 million (US$257 million in today's terms) when he sold the team in 1996 to an investment group led by Ross Perot Jr. Beyond basketball, Carter built a vast portfolio including banks, trucking firms, hotels, rodeo arenas, cattle ranches, and a Rolls-Royce dealership. His business acumen was forged early; after military service in the U.S. Air Force, he leveraged his mother Mary C. Crowley's company to secure his financial future before entering sports ownership.
In Their Own Story
The defining moment of Carter's tenure came during the 2011 championship win when the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat. In a gesture honoring his role as the first owner, current owner Mark Cuban presented him with the Larry O'Brien trophy. This event capped a journey that began with a US$12 million guarantee and evolved into decades of ownership. Carter retained a 4% minority stake in the franchise at the time of his death, ensuring he remained connected to the team he helped launch. He attended games frequently until February 14, 2018, when he passed away at his home in Dallas, Texas, at age 84 after 58 years of marriage to Linda Jo.
Reader's Guide
To understand the early Mavericks, one must look to Donald J. Carter's guarantee of the US$12 million entry fee in 1980. This financial backbone allowed Norm Sonju to finalize the franchise's entry into the NBA. Carter's ownership style was hands-on; he was a constant courtside figure distinguishable by his cowboy hat, bridging the gap between the business side and the fans. His investment strategy proved sound, yielding a return of US$125 million upon selling his stake in 1996, yet he never fully severed ties, holding a minority position until his death. The timeline from 1980 to 2018 represents his continuous influence, from the initial expansion struggle to the celebration of the 2011 title.
Did You Know?
- Carter guaranteed the US$12 million expansion entry fee when co-founder Norm Sonju could not secure the funds.
- He was a familiar courtside presence at Mavericks games until his death, always wearing a cowboy hat.
- In 2011, Mark Cuban presented Carter with the Larry O'Brien trophy as the team's first owner following their championship win over the Miami Heat.
- Carter retained a 4% minority stake in the Dallas Mavericks at the time of his death in 2018.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Don Carter in relation to the Dallas Mavericks?
Don Carter was the founding owner of the Dallas Mavericks, having personally guaranteed the $3 million expansion fee required to bring the franchise to Texas in 1980. He remained a minority partner and a beloved figure at games until his death in 2018.
How did Don Carter acquire the wealth to buy an NBA team?
Carter rose from a poor background in Arkansas to build millions through his leadership of Home Interiors and Gifts, a successful home party sales business. This financial success allowed him to fund the Mavericks' entry into the league alongside other investors.
What was Don Carter's signature look at games?
Throughout his decades as an owner, Carter was instantly recognizable courtside for always wearing a cowboy hat. This distinctive style became synonymous with his presence and the team's Texas identity.
Did Don Carter own any other sports teams besides the Mavericks?
Yes, in addition to the NBA franchise, Carter was also a founding owner of the Dallas Sidekicks professional indoor soccer team. His investment portfolio included multiple major sports entities based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
When did Don Carter pass away and what was his legacy?
Don Carter died on February 14, 2018, leaving behind a legacy as the visionary who secured the Mavericks' place in the NBA. He is remembered by fans not just for his business acumen, but for his lifelong dedication to the team he helped create.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in the Dallas Mavericks universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record