Dallas Mavericks Welcome Josh Howard Back as Co-Owner, Honoring Mid-2000s Star in Franchise’s New Era of Leadership
The Dallas Mavericks have entered a new chapter in their history, one that bridges the glory of the past with the vision of the future. On Tuesday, the Mavericks’ ownership group made a historic announcement that electrified both fans and alumni alike: Josh Howard, the former NBA All-Star and cornerstone of the Mavericks’ mid-2000s success, has officially returned to the franchise—not as a player or coach, but as a co-owner. The move not only strengthens the Mavericks’ ownership structure but also reinforces a larger organizational philosophy of honoring tradition while innovating for sustained excellence.
Howard’s return is both sentimental and strategic. For longtime Mavericks fans, his name is etched into the franchise’s memory as one of the faces of a golden era that saw Dallas transition from playoff hopefuls to legitimate championship contenders. Drafted by the Mavericks in 2003, Howard quickly became a fan favorite for his gritty defense, versatile scoring ability, and relentless effort on the court. Alongside Dirk Nowitzki, Howard was instrumental in guiding the Mavericks through deep playoff runs, including their unforgettable 2006 NBA Finals appearance against the Miami Heat. Though Dallas fell short in that series, Howard’s impact was undeniable—he was viewed as a foundational piece of the franchise’s future.
Now, nearly two decades later, the Mavericks are giving him a new role in shaping the franchise’s destiny. This time, Howard is trading his sneakers for a suit, stepping into the business and leadership side of the organization. His addition to the ownership group not only strengthens diversity within the Mavericks’ leadership but also ensures that a player’s perspective is incorporated into key decisions about the future of the team.
Team governor Patrick Dumont emphasized in the official announcement that Howard’s inclusion signals more than just a ceremonial move. “Josh Howard was a vital part of this franchise’s rise to prominence, and he has always represented the values of determination, hard work, and loyalty. By bringing him back as a co-owner, we are not only honoring his legacy but also ensuring that our ownership reflects voices who truly understand what it means to wear the Mavericks jersey.”
Howard himself expressed gratitude and excitement, noting how deeply personal this opportunity is for him. “Dallas is home. It always has been since the day I was drafted here. This organization gave me the chance to live my dream, and now I have the opportunity to give back in a different way. I want to help the Mavericks continue building a championship culture, not just on the court, but in the community as well. This is about reconnecting with fans and making sure the Mavericks’ legacy keeps growing.”
The announcement has already sparked celebration among fans across Dallas and beyond. Social media lit up with highlights from Howard’s career, from clutch shots in the playoffs to his All-Star selection in 2007, when he averaged career-high numbers and cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable two-way forwards. Many fans have long called for the Mavericks to reconnect more closely with their alumni, and Howard’s ownership stake is being heralded as a symbolic but powerful step in that direction.
The timing of Howard’s return couldn’t be more fitting. The Mavericks are in the midst of both an on-court and organizational transformation, with Luka Dončić leading the team into a new era of championship aspirations. While the franchise’s ambitions remain global, there has been an increasing emphasis on local identity and historical continuity. Having Howard back in the fold strengthens that effort, offering fans a reminder that the franchise’s present success is built on the foundation laid by players like him.
It also reflects a broader trend in the NBA: the inclusion of former players within ownership circles. In recent years, several franchises have welcomed alumni into their ownership groups, both as a nod to their legacy and as a way to bring player-focused insight into boardroom discussions. For the Mavericks, Howard represents the perfect bridge between eras—he understands the demands of NBA competition while also having cultivated leadership skills in his post-playing career. After retiring from the NBA, Howard transitioned into coaching, most recently serving as head coach at the college level, where he mentored young players with the same intensity he once displayed on the court. That experience has only sharpened his ability to think strategically, making him a natural fit for ownership responsibilities.
Fans who remember Howard’s playing style see clear parallels with the role he’s about to play off the court. Just as he was known for doing the “dirty work” on defense, sacrificing personal accolades for the greater good of the team, his ownership role will demand selflessness, foresight, and collaboration. In many ways, Howard’s leadership philosophy has always aligned with the Mavericks’ organizational goals: unity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
Howard’s presence also provides a crucial link to Dirk Nowitzki’s era, ensuring that the franchise’s most celebrated period remains woven into its cultural fabric. While Nowitzki remains an ambassador for the organization, Howard’s role as a co-owner provides a different kind of permanence—a seat at the table where decisions are made. For younger Mavericks players, his presence serves as a living reminder of the sacrifices required to reach the Finals. For fans, it represents a gesture of respect toward the team’s history.
Beyond basketball, Howard’s return carries significant implications for the Dallas community. Known throughout his career for charitable work and outreach, Howard has long been committed to using his platform for social good. As a co-owner, he now has the ability to expand that impact on a larger scale, working with the Mavericks’ community programs to address education, youth development, and social justice issues across Dallas and beyond. His personal story resonates deeply—he grew up overcoming obstacles to reach the NBA, and now, as part of the Mavericks’ leadership, he hopes to inspire others to chase their dreams no matter the circumstances.
As the Mavericks look ahead, Howard’s role will likely evolve in multiple directions. He is expected to be active in fan engagement initiatives, alumni relations, and possibly even player development strategy, given his coaching background. While the ownership group is vast and collaborative, Howard’s voice carries a unique weight. He knows the pulse of the fan base, understands the demands placed on players, and appreciates the business challenges of modern NBA franchises.
In essence, his return is about balance. The Mavericks are striving to remain innovative in an NBA landscape defined by analytics, global outreach, and digital engagement, while also ensuring that the heart of the franchise—its history, culture, and bond with fans—remains intact. Howard embodies that balance, offering a perspective rooted in tradition but adaptable to change.
The announcement may also signal future possibilities for other Mavericks legends. Fans have already speculated whether additional former players could eventually join the ownership group, further weaving the franchise’s past into its present. For now, however, the spotlight belongs to Howard, whose journey from rookie to All-Star to co-owner is nothing short of remarkable.
In sports, few stories resonate more deeply than those of homecomings. Howard’s return to Dallas is more than just a business move; it’s a narrative of loyalty, legacy, and love. For the Mavericks, it’s a chance to strengthen their cultural identity while reinforcing their commitment to winning. For Howard, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the organization that shaped him.
As the Mavericks prepare for the next season, fans can take comfort in knowing that one of their own is back—not just to watch from the sidelines, but to lead from within. The echoes of the mid-2000s glory days now merge with the sounds of a modern contender, and Josh Howard, forever a Maverick, is at the heart of it all.
