Tom Hicks, the Texas businessman best known for his ownership of sports franchises, including a controversial stint as co-owner of Liverpool Football Club, has died at the age of 79. Hicks passed away peacefully in Dallas on Saturday, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from spokesperson Lisa LeMaster.
Hicks made a significant impact on the landscape of professional sports, particularly in the Dallas area. He owned the National Hockey League's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, a period highlighted by the team's only Stanley Cup victory in 1999. He also owned Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, during which they secured three American West Division titles and made an appearance in the World Series.
Beyond his ventures in American sports, Hicks ventured into English football in 2007, acquiring a 50% stake in Liverpool FC alongside George Gillett. Their tenure at Liverpool was marked by boardroom disagreements, public disputes with key figures like then-CEO Rick Parry and manager Rafa Benítez, and unfulfilled promises, including the construction of a new stadium at Stanley Park. The Hicks-Gillett era became increasingly unpopular with Liverpool fans, culminating in protests and a video titled "Dear Mr. Hicks" urging his departure. Hicks ultimately lost ownership of Liverpool in October 2010.
Prior to his involvement in sports, Hicks established himself as a successful businessman in the private equity sector. He co-founded Hicks & Haas in 1984 and later Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst in 1989, firms that played a role in shaping private equity and investment strategies. Forbes magazine estimated his wealth at $1 billion in 2009, though it later decreased to $700 million in 2010. He also served as chairman of Hicks Holdings LLC, which owned and operated Hicks Sports Group.
Fellow Texan business leaders have publicly acknowledged Hicks' impact. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said, "Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums... It was about personal respect, trust and friendship... I'll miss him greatly". Ross Perot Jr. noted Hicks as "an innovative businessman and a pioneer in private equity," who "combined his commitment to business and sports through his ownership of the Stars and the Rangers".
Hicks was also involved in public service. He was a paratrooper in the Army Reserves and served as Commissioner of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He also served on the University of Texas's Board of Regents from 1994 to 1999.
Tom Hicks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and his six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. His children jointly released a statement, saying, "Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks's most cherished title was, 'Dad.' No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family... He remains a guiding force for our family, and we are deeply honored to continue expanding his legacy". Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
