Dallas Mavericks

Founded: 1980
Team Owner: Mark Cuban
Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
Team Icon: Dirk Nowitzki
Overall Record: 1390-1350
D-League Affiliate: Texas Legends
Championships: 2011
Arena: American Airlines Center
Arena Capacity: 19,200
Arena Co-Tenants: Dallas Stars (NHL)
City: Dallas, TX
Website: www.mavs.com

Yet another name-the-team contest was spawned to give Dallas its team name after the city was awarded an NBA franchise in 1980. Besides Mavericks, the other finalists for the nickname were Wranglers and Express.

Team owner Donald Carver decided on the Mavericks which was probably a wise decision. One of the fans who was credited with submitting the winning name wrote that Mavericks "represents the independent, flamboyant style of the Dallas people."