Mark Cuban has quietly regained influence in key basketball decisions for the Dallas Mavericks after a major leadership change in the franchise.
Speaking to The Athletic, Cuban made it crystal clear that he is just “an adviser” to Dumont, who serves as president and chief operating officer of the Sands Corporation and is Miriam Adelson’s son-in-law. Cuban clarified that Dumont “makes all the final decisions.”
“I’m here to help him where I can,” he added.
Cuban sold his majority share in December 2023 and moved into an advisory role. His influence had been limited since the sale.
Recent developments brought him back into the team’s decision-making. The Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on November 11, 2025.
Harrison’s dismissal followed a 3-8 start to the season and ongoing fan criticism regarding the team's direction.
After the firing, the Mavericks created a GM by committee system. Interim co-general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will manage basketball operations.
Head coach Jason Kidd and Cuban will also take part in basketball decisions. Team governor Patrick Dumont retains final decision-making authority.
Cuban still owns a 27% stake in the Mavericks after selling the majority to Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont.
When the NBA approved the sale, Cuban’s agreement allowed him to continue overseeing basketball operations, but with limitations on his authority.
Over time, Cuban’s influence declined. Harrison reported directly to Dumont rather than Cuban. The GM firing shifted that balance and increased Cuban’s role.
Cuban remains officially an adviser but now has a renewed voice in team decisions alongside the interim leadership group.
The sale of the Mavericks was valued between $3.8 billion and $3.9 billion. The Adelson-Dumont family assumed majority control.
Patrick Dumont became team governor while Cuban described the new arrangement as a partnership. Cuban focuses on basketball decisions, the Adelson-Dumont side on business and real estate.
Cuban acknowledged his post-sale role would be more limited than he had hoped. An NBA-approved clause prevented him from retaining complete control of operations.
With Cuban back in a consultative role, the Mavericks have begun searching for a permanent general manager. This decision could have a significant impact on the franchise’s direction for years to come.
The influence Cuban carries while reduced still affects key basketball operations, from roster moves to long-term strategy decisions.
Mark Cuban’s partnership with the Adelson-Dumont family and future role in Mavericks
Cuban continues to work collaboratively with the Adelson-Dumont family. His basketball expertise is balanced with their business and real estate experience.
His voice is once again part of the decision-making process for basketball matters. As a minority owner and adviser, he will offer guidance to team governor Patrick Dumont but will not have the final say.
Cuban’s more than 20 years leading the Mavericks, including a 2011 NBA championship, gave him deep experience in team management, player relations, and building organizational culture.
Despite stepping back from full control, he remains an important adviser to the new leadership, helping bridge the gap between the franchise's history and its future under the Adelson-Dumont family.
The search for a permanent general manager is the Mavericks’ first real test under the new setup. Cuban’s role remains significant, and the interim leaders must carefully balance his input with the authority of Governor Dumont.
Cuban's return to a prominent advisory role is seen by many as a potential source of stability for the Mavericks. However, observers will closely monitor how this addition impacts roster moves and the achievement of season goals under the new leadership structure.
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