Let's be real: most people still think of Mark Cuban as the face of the Dallas Mavericks. You probably picture him screaming at a ref or sitting courtside in a faded t-shirt. But the reality of the team’s bank account has shifted dramatically in the last couple of years. If you’re asking how much are the Dallas Mavericks worth, the short answer is a staggering $5.1 billion.
That number isn’t just a random guess from a fan blog. It’s the latest valuation from the financial experts at Forbes as we head into 2026. For context, that puts them at #13 on the list of the most valuable NBA franchises. It’s a wild jump when you realize that just a decade ago, NBA teams were lucky to be valued at $1 billion. Now, $5 billion is basically the entry fee for the "big kid" table in professional sports.
The Adelson Era and the $3.5 Billion Handshake
The biggest catalyst for this valuation spike was the massive ownership change that went down in late 2023. Mark Cuban, who bought the team for a "measly" $285 million back in 2000, sold a majority stake to Miriam Adelson and her family. Miriam is the widow of Sheldon Adelson, the casino magnate behind Las Vegas Sands.
The deal valued the team at roughly $3.5 billion at the time of the sale.
Why is there a gap between that $3.5 billion sale and the $5.1 billion valuation today? Basically, the market is exploding. The NBA just inked a massive new media rights deal that kicks in for the 2025-2026 season. Everyone knew the money was coming, but once the ink dried, the value of every single team—including the Mavs—shot up like a rocket.
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Patrick Dumont, Miriam’s son-in-law, is the guy actually running the show as the team's governor. While Cuban kept a 27% stake and initially kept control of basketball operations, the financial power has clearly shifted. The new owners aren't just here to watch hoops; they’re real estate and gambling titans.
Breaking Down the Revenue: Where the Money Actually Comes From
You might think the Mavs make all their money from $15 beers and Luka Dončić jerseys. Honestly, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here is a rough look at the "boring" stuff that makes the team so expensive:
- Media Rights: This is the big one. The NBA's national TV deals with Disney, NBC, and Amazon are worth billions. Even local deals, like the ones with Tegna and MavsTV, keep the cash flowing.
- Sponsorships: Have you noticed the Chime logo on the jerseys? That patch alone is part of a deal worth about $11 million per year. In May 2025, Chime's IPO filings revealed they'd paid the team roughly $33 million over three years.
- Gate Receipts: The American Airlines Center is almost always packed. The team pulls in roughly $76 million a year just from people walking through the doors and sitting in seats.
- The "Brand" Value: Forbes estimates that the Mavericks' brand name itself is worth over $800 million. That’s the power of having a global superstar and a winning tradition.
The team generated about $407 million in revenue last season. After paying the players (who are definitely not cheap) and keeping the lights on, they walked away with an operating income of roughly $87 million.
The Casino Dream and the New Arena
The most interesting thing about the Mavs' current value isn't what happened yesterday, but what’s planned for tomorrow. The Adelsons didn't buy a basketball team because they love pick-and-rolls. They bought it because they want to build a massive casino-resort in North Texas.
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Right now, gambling is still illegal in Texas. But Patrick Dumont and the Sands Corp have been lobbying like crazy. They even bought over 100 acres of land in Irving (where the old Texas Stadium used to be). The vision is a "destination resort" that includes a brand-new, state-of-the-art arena for the Mavericks.
If they get the green light to build a casino-linked arena, the value of the Dallas Mavericks will likely skyrocket past $6 billion or $7 billion almost overnight. Real estate is the secret sauce of sports valuations. Look at what the Golden State Warriors did with the Chase Center—they aren't just a team; they’re a landlord.
Is the $5.1 Billion Valuation Too High?
Some people argue these numbers are a bubble. They see the regional sports network (RSN) crisis—where companies like Diamond Sports Group (Bally Sports) went through bankruptcy—and worry the TV money will dry up.
But the NBA is smarter than that. They’ve moved toward streaming and multi-platform deals. Also, there’s the "scarcity" factor. There are only 30 NBA teams. When a team like the Phoenix Suns sells for $4 billion or the Charlotte Hornets go for $3 billion, it sets a new floor.
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The Mavericks are also sitting on a goldmine with their roster. Even with the rumors and drama that always follow big-market teams, having a franchise that competes at the highest level ensures that the valuation stays "sticky." People want to buy winners.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors
If you're tracking the Mavericks' value, don't just look at the scoreboard. Keep an eye on these three things over the next 12 months:
- Texas Legislative Sessions: Watch for any movement on sports betting or casino legalization. This is the #1 factor that will determine if the Mavs hit a $7 billion valuation by 2030.
- Arena Lease Agreements: The Mavs’ lease at the American Airlines Center doesn’t last forever. Any announcement about a "Mavs-only" stadium will drastically change the team's balance sheet.
- The Media Shift: See how many fans actually subscribe to the new MavsTV streaming options. If the team can prove they can make money directly from fans without a middleman cable company, their "direct-to-consumer" value goes way up.
Basically, the Dallas Mavericks have transitioned from a "passionate billionaire's hobby" under Mark Cuban to a "corporate real estate asset" under the Adelson family. It might feel less personal, but from a business perspective, it's never been a better time to be in the Mavs' front office.