[Saba Sports News] Mark Cuban’s recent decision to sell a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks has sparked curiosity, and further details are now emerging about his motivations. This move appears less about funding a political venture and more about realizing Cuban’s ambitious vision for a new Mavericks arena intertwined with legalized sports betting in Texas.
Last year, Cuban shared with the Dallas Morning News his dream of a new arena for the Mavericks, ideally situated within a resort and casino complex. He had expressed interest in collaborating with the Sands Corporation, a casino group owned by the Adelson family, who have now acquired the majority share in the team. “My goal, in partnership with Sands, is to build the new arena as part of a resort and casino. We aim to make Texas a destination spot through this project,” Cuban stated.
This vision aligns with the broader context of sports wagering legalization, which varies across states. Texas, one of the largest states, still prohibits sports and resort-style gambling. Although there are three tribal casinos, neither sports betting nor resort-style gambling is legal.
The Adelson family, known for their substantial donations to the GOP—which holds the majority in Texas—has been actively lobbying for the legalization of both sports and resort-style gambling. Now, with their partnership with Cuban, they are jointly pushing to legalize these forms of wagering. Success in their efforts would not only change the gambling landscape in Texas but also provide the necessary funds for developing the proposed resort and casino.