BREAKING NEWS: Dallas Mavericks Legend Dirk Nowitzki Returns as Co-Owner In a monumental announcement, Dallas Mavericks owner Miriam Adelson family has officially declared that Dirk Nowitzki the legendary Running back and long-time face of the franchise, will return to the organization in 2025 as a co-owner..…view more
In a monumental move that is already sending shockwaves through the basketball world, the Dallas Mavericks have officially announced that franchise legend Dirk Nowitzki will return to the organization in 2025 — this time as co-owner.
The news was confirmed earlier today in a statement released by the Adelson family, the principal owners of the Mavericks, led by Miriam Adelson. The announcement marks a full-circle moment for the iconic German forward who spent his entire 21-year NBA career in Dallas, redefining the power forward position and leading the franchise to its first and only NBA Championship in 2011.
“Dirk has always been the heart and soul of the Mavericks,” said the Adelson family in an official statement. “Bringing him back as a co-owner isn’t just symbolic — it’s a commitment to honoring the legacy he built while helping guide our future.”
Nowitzki, who retired in 2019 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023, has remained close to the Mavericks organization as an advisor and global ambassador. His new role as co-owner elevates that relationship to an executive level, giving him a voice in high-level decision-making, player development, and organizational strategy.
“Dallas is home,” Nowitzki said at a press conference earlier today. “The Mavericks are my family. I’m incredibly honored to return in this new role and help shape the next era of greatness for this team and this city.”
While the announcement has thrilled Mavericks fans across the globe, some confusion initially arose over Nowitzki being referred to as a “legendary running back” in an early draft of the press release — a clerical error that has since been corrected. Indeed, Nowitzki is best known for his silky jump shot, unguardable fadeaway, and fierce loyalty to Dallas — not for running the football.
The Mavericks organization, currently in a period of transition following the departure of long-time executive Mark Cuban from day-to-day operations, sees Nowitzki’s return as a stabilizing force. He joins the ownership group at a time when the franchise is focused on building a championship-caliber roster around superstar Luka Dončić.
Fans can expect to see Nowitzki more visibly involved during games, community events, and organizational initiatives — but also behind the scenes, where his basketball IQ and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Mavericks prepare for the 2025–26 NBA season with a familiar face now calling the shots from the top.
