Mark Cuban could soon have a new role in professional sports ownership. The billionaire is reportedly interested in buying a minority stake in the Dallas Cowboys, as owner Jerry Jones appears open to the possibility.
The Cowboys are widely regarded as one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world. It is currently valued at around $13 billion. A minority investment would allow Cuban to enter the National Football League. While allowing Jones to maintain control of the franchise he has owned since 1989.
Jerry Jones Open to Bringing Mark Cuban Into Cowboys Ownership Group
At 83, questions about the team’s long-term future have grown, and a minority sale could be one way to bring in a new partner without giving up control of ownership.
According to Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins, Cuban is interested in purchasing a stake in the Cowboys. When asked about the possibility, Cuban said his sports investment group would be willing to explore the opportunity.
“I’m sure our Harbinger fund would be open to it,” Cuban told Watkins. Jones also expressed strong support for the idea, praising Cuban’s impact on sports and business.
“That’s exactly why, if you’re me, you would be open to that because of the man,” Jones said. “I have all the respect in the world for him, and I know what he did for the Mavericks and what he’s done for basketball.”
Jones added that bringing in a partner is not only about finances but also about finding someone who shares a passion for the sport and is committed to contributing to the team’s future.
“He’s in addition to financial boatstreams of your team; you want to associate with the highest quality of [a person] who loves the game and then also at the same time wants to do something about it. Mark leads the way in that.”
Cuban’s Sports Ownership Experience Makes Him an Attractive Partner
Cuban is no stranger to professional sports ownership. He became one of the most recognizable figures in basketball after purchasing a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks in 2000 for $285 million.
During his ownership, Cuban helped transform the Mavericks from a struggling franchise into an NBA contender, culminating in the team’s 2011 NBA championship.
In late 2023, Cuban sold his 58% majority stake in the Mavericks for an estimated $3.5 billion, ending his run as the team’s controlling owner while remaining involved with the franchise.
Forbes has estimated Cuban’s net worth at around $6 billion, and his experience in sports business has made him a potential fit for another major ownership role.
From NBA to MLB, Cuban Continues Expanding His Sports Portfolio
Cuban has continued looking for opportunities across professional sports. Through Harbinger Sports Partners, he recently became involved with Athletics, which is preparing to move to Las Vegas and build a $2 billion domed stadium.
The move followed years of Cuban attempting to enter Major League Baseball ownership. He previously explored buying the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2005, the Chicago Cubs in 2008, the Texas Rangers in 2010, and the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2012.
The Chief Investment Officer of Harbinger Sports Partners, Rashaun Williams, said the group believes the future of sports ownership is changing, with markets like Las Vegas playing a major role.
“The next decade of sports ownership will look very different than the last.”
Cowboys Previously Considered Minority Investment Options
Talk of the Cowboys bringing in outside investors grew after executive vice president Stephen Jones. He addressed the possibility during an interview on 105.3 The Fan.
Stephen Jones said the team would not rule out minority investors but would be selective about any potential partners.
“We wouldn’t rule it out. But we’d also be very particular in who we would bring in as a partner in terms of that.” He also pointed out that recent NFL rules allowing private equity involvement and minority partnerships created new opportunities for teams considering outside investment.
“It made sense for a lot of different reasons and every owner who chooses to go that path can speak for themselves in terms of why they’re doing it. But it does, I think, it’s a great tool.”
Cuban’s Past Views on the NFL Have Changed
Cuban’s potential move into NFL ownership is notable because he previously questioned the league’s long-term future. In 2014, he predicted the NFL could face major problems within a decade. Saying that “pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.”
However, the NFL’s popularity and financial growth have continued. Cuban now appears interested in becoming part of the league’s business landscape.
A minority stake in the Cowboys would give Cuban entry into America’s most valuable sports league. It would also provide Jones with a respected business partner.
For now, no deal has been finalized. But with both sides expressing interest, Cuban’s next major sports investment could potentially come in Dallas.
