Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks and a Hall of Fame NBA executive, joins Intersections to discuss the future of the Mavericks and the role the franchise plays in the city of Dallas.Welts shares stories from his 57-year career in professional basketball—from starting as a ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics to helping shape the modern NBA through innovations like All-Star Weekend and global expansion.
But the focus of this conversation is Dallas. Welts dives into the Mavericks’ path forward after one of the most controversial trades in NBA history, the responsibility franchises have to their communities, and how Dallas can build a championship-caliber organization around rising star Cooper Flagg. He also outlines the vision for a new arena and entertainment district that could redefine downtown Dallas and anchor the franchise for generations.
In This Episode
[01:00] From Seattle Ball Boy to the NBA
[08:30] Entering the NBA League Office
[18:00] Creating NBA All-Star Weekend
[27:00] The Dream Team and Basketball’s Global Growth
[35:00] Leading the Phoenix Suns
[40:00] Rebuilding the Golden State Warriors
[45:00] Designing Chase Center
[50:00] The Luka Dončić Trade Fallout
[57:00] The Cooper Flagg Era Begins
[1:05:00] The Next Mavericks Arena
[1:12:00] The NBA’s Global Future
[1:18:30] Leadership and Legacy
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