Rick Welts to Step Down as Mavericks CEO
The 73-year-old executive will conclude his tenure at the end of 2026, with Ethan Casson set to take over in January.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball
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Dallas Mavericks CEO Rick Welts will officially step down from his leadership position on December 31, 2026. His successor, Ethan Casson, is scheduled to assume the role on January 1, 2027.
Why it matters
Welts, a Hall of Fame inductee who previously led the Golden State Warriors, concludes a brief but significant stint with the Mavericks that began in December 2024. This leadership transition marks a strategic shift for the franchise as it navigates the ongoing 2026-27 NBA season under head coach Dusty May.
The Dallas Mavericks currently hold a 2-2 record for the 2026-27 NBA season, including a recent 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat. This performance contrasts with the 4-0 record currently held by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The players
Rick Welts
He is a 73-year-old executive who was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018.
Ethan Casson
He is an experienced sports executive who previously served as the CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Francisco 49ers.
Dallas Mavericks
This is a professional basketball franchise based in Dallas that competes in the NBA.
Dusty May
He currently serves as the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.
The details
Rick Welts joined the Dallas organization in December 2024 following his earlier retirement from the Golden State Warriors in 2021. His successor, Ethan Casson, brings experience from his previous executive tenures as CEO of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Francisco 49ers.
Timeline
Rick Welts joined the Dallas Mavericks in December 2024.
The Mavericks secured a 113-109 win over the Miami Heat on October 26, 2026.
Rick Welts steps down as CEO on December 31, 2026.
Ethan Casson becomes CEO on January 1, 2027.
Season Trajectory
This leadership change follows the 2021 retirement of Rick Welts from the Golden State Warriors and marks a continuation of his legacy in professional sports management. The transition arrives during a competitive 2026-27 season where the Mavericks are fighting to stay atop the standings.
Fans tracking the current campaign should note the team's 2-2 record, which remains a key metric as the franchise looks toward the remainder of the 2026-27 season. The change in the front office signals a major shift in the management hierarchy that will coincide with mid-season roster adjustments.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in professional sports often signal a shift in long-term franchise strategy regardless of current performance. Staying informed on front-office changes helps fans understand the underlying stability and future direction of their favorite teams.
What happens next
Rick Welts is scheduled to officially vacate the CEO office on December 31, 2026, with Ethan Casson transitioning into the role on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the team, visit the Dallas Basketball page.
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