In a surprising revelation, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has expressed openness to the possibility of selling a stake in his NFL team to former Dallas Mavericks governor Mark Cuban. While current ownership plans do not include outside investors, Jones highlighted his respect for Cuban and his impact on the sports landscape during a conversation with Calvin Watkins from the Dallas News.
Jones on the Value of Cuban
During his discussion, Jones emphasized the qualities that make Cuban a desirable potential partner. "That's exactly why if you're me, you would be open to that is because of the man," said Jones. He praised Cuban for his extensive contributions to basketball and the Mavericks, noting that Cuban's passion for the game aligns closely with what he wishes for in a business partner. "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," he added.
Cuban's Interest in NFL Ownership
If a formal opportunity arose, Cuban seems receptive to the idea. He mentioned, "I'm sure our Harbinger fund would be open to it." This indicates a willingness to explore ownership possibilities in the NFL, particularly after the changes in regulations that now allow private equity funds to purchase up to 10 percent stakes in NFL teams. Such investments can serve as a critical financial boost and could aid in elevating the overall quality of the league.
The Shift in NFL Ownership Rules
As it stands, private equity money can now flow into NFL teams, with organizations like the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and Los Angeles Chargers having successfully sold shares to private equity firms. This shift has provided franchises with immediate cash influxes and seems to have received overall approval from owners like Jones. "It can only be at its full potential if it attracts capital... That's what you're seeing and the league made it possible for capital to come in," he stated. This openness to investment is seen as a positive move for not only teams but also fans, as it could lead to improved quality in the game.
Cuban's Transition from Mavericks Ownership
Cuban's previous tenure as a major stakeholder of the Dallas Mavericks ended in 2023 when he sold his majority stake to Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont. However, he expressed regrets about the sale, particularly with respect to the parties involved. On the Intersections podcast in March, Cuban stated, "I don't regret selling. I regret who I sold to. I made a lot of mistakes in the process, and I'll leave it at that." Despite the sale, Cuban retains a minority stake in the Mavericks and his private equity firm, Harbinger Sports Partners, also holds a minority share in MLB's Oakland Athletics.
Future of the Cowboys
While the prospect of collaboration between Jones and Cuban remains speculative, the mere mention of it stirs excitement among fans and analysts alike. This potential partnership could signify a transformative era for the Cowboys, one that may closely resonate with the types of ownership style Cuban practiced with the Mavericks.
In the fast-evolving landscape of sports ownership, figures like Cuban and Jones illustrate how personal relationships and mutual respect can play crucial roles in sports business decisions. As the NFL continues to expand and attract more outside capital, conversations around ownership structures are likely to become increasingly relevant.
Overall, both Jerry Jones and Mark Cuban identify with the aspiration of elevating their respective franchises. Should the opportunity ever arise for Cuban to invest in the Cowboys, it would be a partnership emblematic of their shared passion for sports and innovation.
