Mark Cuban May Be Readying Adelson Son to One Day Run Mavericks

Posted on: December 1, 2023, 05:54h. 

Last updated on: December 9, 2023, 02:09h.

Todd Shriber @etfgodfather Read More
Expertise: Financial, Gaming Business, Mergers and Acquisitions.

Soon-to-be Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban is rumored to be preparing one of Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson’s sons to eventually run the NBA franchise.

Matan Adelson
Matan Adelson at a press conference in June. The son of Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson could eventually run the Dallas Mavericks. (Image: Sports Rabbi)

A report by The New York Post indicates Cuban could be readying Matan Adelson to one day run the team in which his mother is buying a majority interest. A Stanford alum, Matan previously interned for the Mavericks and Goldman Sachs. An unidentified source told the media outlet that Matan will almost certainly be running the team by the team he’s 30 years old.

In a transaction announced earlier this week, Miriam Adelson and her namesake trust will acquire majority control of the Mavericks. The deal, which is expected to close by the end of this year, is unique in that Cuban will remain as the head of basketball operations while maintaining a 20% stake in the team he acquired in early 2000.

Matan and Adam Adelson are the children of the late Sheldon Adelson and Miriam. Both have children from prior marriages.

Matan’s ‘Mamba Mentality’

In addition to his experience as an intern for the Mavericks, Matan Adelson has other relevant experience that could prove useful should he eventually run operations for the NBA team.

Earlier this year, an investor group he led shelled out $20 million to acquire 90% of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem of the Basketball Champions League (BCL). Former NBA star Amar’e Stoudemire was among the previous owners of the team.

I’ve been a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant in particular since I was young. For me, Kobe embodied grit, an unmatched work ethic, and incredible determination,” said Matan Adelson in a statement announcing the sale. “Growing up, I took a lot of inspiration from him, watching him strive to be the best version of himself, and through my leadership, I hope to manifest this mentality in this club for now and for years to come.”

Close to half of Hapoel Bank Yahav Jerusalem’s roster is comprised of American players, indicating Adelson has some experience in working with an often demanding group of athletes.

Matan Adelson Could Have Advantages in Running Mavs

When Miriam Adelson assumes control of the Mavericks, the team will enjoy the benefits of her deep pockets — a necessity to keep up in the NBA, where the salary cap consistently rises, and financial resources are vital in keeping and attracting stars.

Additionally, the Adelson family’s business experience could prove beneficial in terms of navigating the complex roads of trades and the NBA salary cap.

Specific to Matan Adelson, his experience in running a foreign basketball team could be a plus because it exposes him to talent from outside the US — plenty of whom eventually find their way onto NBA rosters.

The Mavericks have been among the league’s biggest beneficiaries of European-born stars. German Dirk Nowitzki is the franchise’s greatest player of all time, and current star Luka Dončić — a Slovenian — is widely considered one of the best players in the league.