The Dallas Mavericks are clearly setting their sights on the future, with a focus on developing rookie standout Cooper Flagg and improving their position in the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. With a tough stretch that includes losing 11 of their last 13 games, their playoff hopes for this season have all but faded.
The Mavericks are asking fans to hang in there during this challenging yet hopeful period. A key part of this request is the decision not to raise ticket prices, a move that acknowledges the team's struggles this season.
During their recent 130-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts announced that majority owner Patrick Dumont has decided to keep ticket prices steady for the 2026-27 season.
“It was one of the strangest meetings I've ever been in my 48 years in the league where you sit down with the owners,” Welts shared during a broadcast. “The staff had spent two months analyzing ticket pricing, but Patrick immediately said, ‘We didn't deliver this year.
We're not raising ticket prices for next year.’ It’s a popular decision, and the right one.”
After trading franchise star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers last year, the team had increased prices for season-ticket holders. Dumont’s latest decision reflects a learning curve during his ownership. While it’s a step in the right direction, it’s also the least the Mavericks can do after their recent struggles in the Western Conference.
Regaining the trust of their fan base will take time, but this move is a positive start. If Flagg continues to develop and leads the team back to playoff contention, there might be future changes in ticket pricing. But for now, the focus is on rebuilding.
This offseason is crucial. Even with a healthy Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks need to strengthen their roster to compete in the competitive Western Conference. By keeping ticket prices stable, the ownership is showing a level of self-awareness that could restore some faith among fans.
It’s a small step on the road to redemption, but it’s a step nonetheless.