The Dallas Mavericks will lose a Hall of Famer at the end of the year, but it will not be star guard Kyrie Irving.
Mavericks CEO Rick Welts will step down from his position at the end of 2026, with former Minnesota Timberwolves and San Francisco 49ers executive Ethan Casson set to succeed him on Jan. 1, 2027.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported the organizational change Wednesday via X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The Mavericks say CEO Rick Welts, who was lured out of retirement in December 2024 to lead the team's new arena project, will step down at year's end and be succeeded by former Timberwolves and 49ers CEO Ethan Casson on Jan. 1, 2027.
“Welts, 73, is a 2018 @Hoophall inductee who previously worked for the Warriors, Suns and league office dating the 1980s.”
Welts joined Dallas in December 2024 after previously retiring from his position as president and chief operating officer of the Golden State Warriors in 2021.
Mavericks prepare for leadership transition under Ethan Casson
His extensive NBA career includes executive roles with the Phoenix Suns and the league office, where he helped shape several major initiatives, including the creation of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Welts earned induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 as a contributor, recognizing his decades of influence on the league's business operations.
Casson brings considerable professional sports experience to Dallas, having previously served as CEO of the Timberwolves and the NFL's 49ers.
His appointment marks another significant organizational transition for a Mavericks franchise undergoing changes both on and off the court.
Dallas opened the 2026-27 NBA season under first-year head coach Dusty May and currently holds a 2-2 record.
The Mavericks are coming off Monday's 113-109 victory over the Miami Heat and will return home Wednesday to face the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder (4-0).
The matchup tips off at 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN as Dallas begins a three-game homestand while preparing for another leadership change in its front office.