OCT. 8, 2024 (DALLAS, TX) – Cynt Marshall, Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Mavericks, announced that effective December 31, 2024, she will retire as CEO. She will remain as a consultant for the organization through Dec. 2025. Since joining the Dallas Mavericks in March 2018 on a three-year contract, Cynt not only transformed the organization, but left an indelible mark on the greater Dallas community.

Under Cynt’s leadership, the organization built a foundation of trust, and fostered a culture rooted in transparency, respect, and accountability. She redefined the Mavericks’ culture through a comprehensive overhaul of the Mavericks’ workplace policies, including the creation of a 100-day plan to implement a revamped corporate culture, setting new standards for inclusion, business effectiveness and corporate responsibility. As a result, the Mavs became one of the most diverse and inclusive workplaces in sports, with a focus on empowering everyone, including women and people of color at all levels of the organization. Her dedication to creating a more equitable workplace has garnered national attention and established the Mavericks as a role model for businesses across the sports industry and beyond.

“Cynt Marshall is a force of nature. I like to say her superpower is bringing people together, but the truth is she has many superpowers. Cynt has always gone above and beyond in everything she has done, and her leadership of the Dallas Mavericks is no exception. She is an indelible fixture in the history of this franchise, and we are eternally grateful. The positive impact she has had here will be felt for a very long time,” said Mavericks Governor Patrick Dumont.

Girls EMPOWERED

The GEM (Girls Empowered by Mavericks) program was created by the Dallas Mavericks in 2020 to engage, inspire and empower young females using physical activity as a backdrop to their development and success. To further extend Cynt’s commitment to empower women and girls, in 2023, the Mavs sponsored the Dallas Wings in a multi-year agreement where the GEM logo is featured on the abdomen of Wings player jerseys for all home and road games. This initiative symbolizes the Mavericks’ and Wings’ collective effort to champion gender equity and support the next generation of female leaders.

Strengthening the Dallas Community

Cynt’s influence extends far beyond the Mavericks organization. She has played a pivotal role in strengthening the team’s ties to the North Texas community through a range of philanthropic initiatives. Under her leadership, the Mavericks have expanded their community outreach programs, focusing on education, health, economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, vote initiatives and stability for youth. Cynt has spearheaded efforts to support under-championed communities through partnerships with local schools and organizations. Programs like “Mavs Take ACTION!,” launched in 2020, positioned the Mavericks as a leading advocate for social justice while promoting education, mentorship, and employment opportunities for underserved populations in Dallas. In addition, the Mavs Foundation, with Cynt’s leadership, has amplified its contributions to local nonprofits, further solidifying the team’s role as a pillar of the community.

A Legacy of Leadership

Cynt’s legacy as CEO of the Dallas Mavericks is one of transformation, both within the organization and throughout the community. Her leadership, grounded in authenticity and a commitment to building a better and more profitable future for the organization, has set a new standard for corporate responsibility and community engagement in professional sports.

“Bringing Cynt to the Mavericks six years ago was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” said Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks. “She has led this organization to new heights with grace and integrity, and her light will continue to shine bright throughout the community. Thank you, Cynt.”

During her tenure, Cynt and the Mavericks have been the recipients of several honors and awards including, but not limited to:

  1. Adweek’s Most Powerful Women in Sports (2019, 2020) – Honored for her influence in the sports industry and for spearheading cultural transformation within the Dallas Mavericks.
  2. NBA Inclusion Leadership Award (2020, 2022) – This award recognizes the team that has demonstrated excellence in creating and executing outstanding programming and that promotes inclusion and inclusive practices.
  3. NBA Game Experience Satisfaction Award (2020, 2023) – Given to the top three teams with the highest percentage in overall game experience satisfaction as determined by the Fan Loyalty Tracker (FLT).
  4. NBA Full Season Renewal Award (2020) – Given to teams at or above 90% of seats AND 100% of revenue renewed for the 2019 – 2020 season. 
  5. NBA Full Season Equivalent Tickets Award (2020, 2022, 2023) – Over 13,000 Full Season Equivalents sold for each respective season.
  6. Forbes World’s Most Inspiring Female Leaders (2021) – During Women’s History Month, Cynt was listed as one of 15 women globally who are breaking the glass ceiling and paving their own paths—all while lifting others around them and setting the example for the next generation of female leaders.
  7. NBA Partnership Growth Award (2022) – Awarded to the top three teams with the highest percentage of partnership growth.
  8. Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business (2022) – Listed among the most influential women in business, praised for transforming the Mavericks and leading initiatives to improve workplace culture.
  9. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum “Hope for Humanity” Award (2022) – Honored for her work in promoting human rights, diversity, and her commitment to social justice.
  10. NAACP Image Award Nomination (2022) – Cynt’s 2022 memoir, You’ve Been Chosen, was one of five nominees for Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/Autobiography
  11. D Magazine Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Award (2022) – Volunteer Impact Award given to Cynt and Kenny Marshall . Celebrated for her contributions to corporate responsibility, community service, and leadership in advancing social equity in Dallas.
  12. PRO Sports Assembly Marshall Award for Values (2023) – The Marshall Award for Values in Sport was inspired by Cynt as the CEO for the Mavs and Co-Founder of Pro Sports Assembly who represents strength and impact for the organization, its greater community and the professional sports ecosystem. This medal is presented to a trailblazing Pro Sports Assembly member who exemplifies Character, Respect, Authenticity, Fairness, Teamwork and Safety.
  13. Junior Achievement Dallas “Business Hall of Fame Laureate” Award (2024) – Recognized for her exceptional contributions to business and leadership, and her lasting impact on the Dallas business community.
  14. Lone Star EMMYs President’s Award (2024) – Presented to Cynt in recognition of her leadership, commitment, and excellence in sports.
  15. Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Achievement Award (2024) – The Achievement Award is presented annually to a Black corporate executive whose business and career achievements exemplify bold, transformative, and courageous leadership. 

Cynt has been a trailblazer in the NBA, a champion for inclusion, and a passionate advocate for the city of Dallas. Her influence will be felt for years to come.

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ABOUT THE DALLAS MAVERICKS: The Dallas Mavericks are a first-class global sports and entertainment organization providing memorable experiences for fans worldwide. The Mavs compete in the National Basketball Association as a member of the Western Conference and play at American Airlines Center under the direction of Coach Jason Kidd, General Manager Nico Harrison, CEO Cynt Marshall and Governor Patrick Dumont. Since the inaugural season in 1980-81, the Mavs have won five division titles, three conference championships and one NBA championship in 2011. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through community programs and the Mavs Foundation. For more information on Dallas Mavericks players, staff, stats and tickets, visit mavs.com.

 

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