On December 6, 2025, Tom Hicks, a powerful Texas businessman who owned the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers, and co-owned Liverpool FC, died peacefully in Dallas at the age of 79, surrounded by family.
Hicks bought the NHL’s Dallas Stars in 1995 and owned them until 2011. He led the team to a Stanley Cup win in 1999. He bought the Texas Rangers in 1998 and owned them until 2010. During that time, they won three American League West Division titles and made it to the World Series. Hicks and George Gillett bought half of Liverpool FC in 2007, but they had to leave in 2010 because of money problems. Fenway Sports Group took over then.
Hicks helped start Hicks & Haas in 1984. The company was one of the first to use private equity strategies, like the merger of Dr Pepper and 7UP. Later, Hicks, Muse, Tate & Furst became one of the biggest firms of its time. From 1994 to 1999, he was a member of the University of Texas Board of Regents. He also helped Dallas grow by being a partner in the American Airlines Center. Jerry Jones and Ross Perot Jr. both praised his creativity, friendship, and commitment to Texas sports and business in their tributes.
Hicks’s wife of 35 years, Cinda Cree Hicks, and their six children are still alive.
