Tragic News: Tom Hicks, the Controversial Sports Tycoon, Passes Away at 79—What’s Next for His Legacy?

Tom Hicks, the former owner of the English football club Liverpool and two professional sports franchises in the Dallas area, has passed away at the age of 79. His legacy is a mix of ambitious ventures and contentious ownership, particularly during a turbulent period at Liverpool.

In 2007, Hicks acquired a 50 percent stake in Liverpool, partnering with George Gillett. Their tenure lasted three and a half years, during which time the club faced significant financial difficulties and ultimately did not secure any trophies. This lack of success was a point of disappointment for fans and led to growing unrest. In October 2010, the club was sold to New England Sports Ventures (NESV), which later became known as Fenway Sports Group. After the sale, Hicks expressed his dismay, describing the transition as an "epic swindle" that left him feeling devastated.

Hicks, who struggled to connect with the Liverpool fanbase, later acknowledged, “something went wrong with my ability to communicate with the fans. I am saddened by it.” This sentiment reflects the often fraught relationship between sports owners and fans, particularly when expectations are high and results are lacking.

Beyond his involvement with Liverpool, Hicks was also known for his ownership of the NHL's Dallas Stars from 1995 to 2011, where he celebrated a notable victory in 1999 when the team won the Stanley Cup. Additionally, he owned the Texas Rangers from 1998 to 2010, leading them to three American West Division titles and a World Series appearance. His multifaceted career in sports management showcases both his ambitions and the complexities of owning high-profile teams.

Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys, paid tribute to Hicks, stating, “Being shoulder to shoulder with him was always about more than ballparks and stadiums, though. It was about personal respect, trust, and friendship. We shared a lot of miles together, and I’ll miss him greatly. My heart goes out to his family.” This sentiment underscores the personal relationships that often develop in the competitive world of sports.

Hicks is survived by his wife, Cinda Cree Hicks, whom he was married to for 35 years, and their six children: Thomas Ollis Hicks Jr., Mack Hardin Hicks, John Alexander Hicks, Robert Bradley Hicks, William Cree Hicks, and Catherine Forgrave Hicks. In a heartfelt statement, the family expressed, “Of everything he accomplished in his remarkable life, Tom Hicks’s most cherished title was, ‘Dad.’ No matter the trials and tribulations he faced in life, he was constant in his generosity and love for his family.”

While Hicks's legacy in sports ownership is marked by challenges, his family's reflections highlight a different side of the man—one defined by love, generosity, and a commitment to his family. As we remember Tom Hicks, these personal connections remind us that the world of sports is not just about teams and wins, but also the relationships and memories we create along the way.