Don Carter (businessman) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Donald J. Carter
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Don Carter in trademark cowboy hat at a Dallas Mavericks game, April 4, 2006
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| Born | July 5, 1933 Arkansas, U.S.
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| Died | (aged 84) |
| Other names | Don Carter |
| Occupation | Investor, business leader |
| Known for | Founder of Dallas Mavericks & Dallas Sidekicks |
| Spouse(s) | Linda Jo Carter |
| Children | Donald J. "Joey" Carter, Jr., Ronald L. Carter, Christi Carter-Urschel |
| Parent(s) | Mary C. Crowley |
Donald J. Carter (born July 5, 1933 – died February 14, 2018) was an American businessman and investor. He is best known for being a founder and owner of two professional sports teams. These were the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA and the Dallas Sidekicks in the MISL. He was often seen at Mavericks games, always wearing his famous cowboy hat.
Don Carter's Early Life
Don Carter was born in Arkansas on July 5, 1933. His family was not wealthy. When he was 15, his mother got married again.
He left high school and started working at a gas station. This job helped him pay for his car, which he used for drag racing. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he joined his mother's business.
His mother, Mary C. Crowley, started a very successful company. It was called Home Interiors and Gifts. They sold home decorations through parties held at people's homes. This business was later sold, and Don Carter earned millions of dollars from it.
Building Sports Teams
In 1980, Don Carter and Norm Sonju decided to create a new NBA team. This team became the Dallas Mavericks. It cost a lot of money to start the team.
When Norm Sonju had trouble getting all the money, Don Carter promised to pay it. This first investment was about US$12 million in 1980. He later sold his share of the team in 1996. He earned US$125 million from the sale.
Don Carter owned many different types of businesses over the years. These included a Rolls-Royce car dealership. He also owned banks, trucking companies, hotels, rodeo arenas, and cattle ranches.
In 2011, the Dallas Mavericks won the NBA championship. The team's owner, Mark Cuban, gave Don Carter the honor of receiving the Larry O'Brien trophy. This was because Don Carter was the first owner of the team. He kept a small part of the Mavericks team (4%) until he passed away in 2018. He often went to their games.
His Family and Legacy
Don Carter was married to Linda Jo for 58 years. They had two sons, Donald J. “Joey” Carter, Jr. and Ronald L. Carter. They also had a daughter named Christi Carter Urschel.
Don Carter passed away at his home in Dallas, Texas. He was 84 years old when he died on February 14, 2018.
See also
- Dallas Mavericks
- Dallas Sidekicks
