Mavericks name Casson CEO as Welts retires at year end

Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts, 73, will retire on Dec. 31, less than two years after returning from retirement to help guide the franchise’s leadership and long-term arena plans. Team President Ethan Casson will become CEO and alternate governor on Jan. 1, 2027, after sharing leadership responsibilities with Welts and overseeing day-to-day business operations. Welts, a Basketball Hall of Famer with nearly five decades in sports, previously helped lead the Golden State Warriors’ move to Chase Center. The Mavericks are weighing a potential move from downtown Dallas to a new arena and entertainment district in North Dallas, with a decision expected by 2027. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver suggested Welts may remain involved in basketball, potentially as a consultant.