Businessman Donald Carter wanted a special present for his wife Linda, an outstanding high-school basketball player.
He gave her an NBA team to follow.
After lengthy negotiations, the league granted an expansion franchise to Carter, for a fee of $12 million. The Dallas Mavericks debuted at Reunion Arena on Oct. 11, 1980, with a 103-92 win against San Antonio.
The Mavericks had early success, reaching the playoffs in their fourth season. "Mr. C'' was a regular figure courtside, wearing his trademark white Stetson. Carter built relationships with players and fans.
Carter sold his majority interest in the team in 1996 to group headed by Ross Perot Jr.