“An indelible figure in Mavs history”

Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall, a transformative figure who transformed and revitalized the franchise during one of its darkest times, is retiring effective December 31.

Marshall finalized her decision late Monday and informed Mavericks staff Tuesday morning. Although she turns 65 on December 15, her decision comes as a surprise just three weeks before the start of the season.

A few days ago, according to a person familiar with their thinking, Marshall was in negotiations over a contract extension with Mavericks Gov. Patrick Dumont, whose family purchased majority ownership of the franchise from Mark Cuban last December.

Marshall’s husband Kenneth has been battling cancer for two years and Marshall himself is a stage three colon cancer survivor, but it is unclear whether Kenneth’s health was a contributing factor.

“Cynt Marshall is a force of nature,” Dumont said in a press release announcing the decision. “I like to say that her superpower is bringing people together, but the truth is that she has many superpowers.

“Cynt has always given her best effort in everything she has done, and her leadership of the Dallas Mavericks is no exception. She is an indelible part of this franchise’s history and we are forever grateful. The positive influence she had here will be felt for a very long time.”

When Cuban hired Marshall as the first Black CEO in NBA history in March 2018, the franchise was reeling from allegations of more than two decades of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct in its operations.

Nine months before taking over the Mavericks’ operations, Marshall had left his 36-year executive career at AT&T and started a consulting firm.

“I am honored that Mark has asked me to join him in tackling some very serious issues,” Marshall said upon her hiring on February 26, 2018, initially as interim CEO.

“I am saddened, and I will say it again: I am very saddened that issues such as domestic violence and sexual harassment are so prominent in our society and that allegations have once again surfaced within our organization.”

A subsequent independent seven-month investigation confirmed “numerous instances” of sexual harassment and other inappropriate behavior, resulting in multiple firings of Mavericks employees and the introduction of sweeping changes by Marshall.

Many long-time employees shared what came of it The news Marking the one-year anniversary of Marshall’s arrival, there was a culture of inclusion and diversity and a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior.

When Marshall arrived, none of the Mavericks’ business leaders were women or people of color. Within a year, half of executives were women and 43% were people of color.

Before Marshall, 74% of the franchise’s business employees were white and 68% were men. Within that first year, 40% were people of color; and 43 percent were women.

“Bringing Cynt to the Mavericks six years ago was one of the smartest decisions I ever made,” said Cuban, who still owns 27% of the franchise. “She has led this organization to new heights with grace and integrity, and her light will continue to shine brightly throughout the community. Thanks, Cynt.”

Marshall’s first contract as full-time CEO was for three years. In 2020 and 2022, the Mavericks received the NBA’s Inclusion Leadership Award for creating and implementing programs that promote inclusion and inclusive practices.

In 2020, the franchise launched the GEM program – Girls Empowered by Mavericks – to inspire girls and young women by using physical activity as a cornerstone for development and success. In 2023, the Dallas Wings joined the program’s efforts and the Mavericks became the first NBA team to become a jersey sponsor of a WNBA franchise with a GEM logo.

Under Marshall, the Mavericks expanded and strengthened their ties to North Texas communities through philanthropic initiatives, outreach and activism, perhaps most visibly through advocacy for social justice following the May 2020 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Forbes In 2021, Marshall was named one of the 15 most inspiring female leaders worldwide as part of Women’s History Month. A year later, Assets named her one of the 50 most influential female business leaders in the world.

The Mavericks’ simultaneous hiring of general manager Nico Harrison and coach Jason Kidd in the summer of 2021 led to them appearing in the Western Conference Finals the following spring; and reaching the NBA finals last season.

In the midst of this run, Dumont signed Harrison and Kidd to contract extensions. Conspicuously missing was an extension for Marshall, although Dumont talked about it at the time The news:

“Cynt and Nico and Coach Kidd, they are the leaders that define the culture and character of the organization. And I think they did a phenomenal job. And I think it made a lot of sense. We want them all to be here for the long term.”

Until recently, there were signs that the triumvirate would last at least another season, but now the franchise is looking for a new CEO.

Marshall and the Mavericks have agreed that after her retirement takes effect on Dec. 31, she will remain a consultant through December 2025.

Twitter/X: @townbrad

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