Don Carter, who co-founded the Dallas Mavericks in 1980, passed away Wednesday night at the age of 84, according to The Dallas Morning News. Carter was also the team’s first majority owner. Despite selling the team to Ross Perot Jr. in 1996—who, in turn, sold the team to Mark Cuban in 2000—Carter kept a minority share of the Mavs. He was never completely separated from the team.
When the Mavs won their first and only title in 2011, Mark Cuban was adamant that the trophy be handed to Don and his wife, Linda Carter, first. None of the team’s success would’ve been possible without them.
Carter told The Dallas Morning News in 2005 that he founded the Mavericks as a gift to his wife. Perhaps the most recognizable legacy of Carter’s ownership is that his iconic Stetson cowboy hat became a part of the original logo. It’s now considered a hardwood classic and is a fan favorite.
Don Carter’s cowboy hat was part of the first (and best, imo) logo in #Mavs history. pic.twitter.com/kVLB1mHH1c
— Dalton Trigg (@dalton_trigg) February 15, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Mr. Carter during this difficult time.