Mavericks Owner Donald Carter said he will make a decision
about the sale of his team during the next few days, perhaps as
soon as today, according to Brad Townsend of the DALLAS MORNING
NEWS. Sources close to negotiations say the field has been
narrowed to two bidders, a group backed by Ross Perot Jr. and one
by Stars Owner Tom Hicks, with the Perot group appearing to "have
the inside track." But sources say Hicks, "who didn't enter
negotiations until about three weeks ago, has made a competitive
bid." One source said Perot is the front-runner "because he has
been working on this a lot longer. But Tom probably needs the
team more." If Perot's group gets the team, auto dealer David
McDavid is expected to be a front man, although "it is unclear
whether McDavid would be involved in day-to-day operations."
Carter has said he would like the eventual buyer to offer about
20% of the team to the public through a stock offering, but the
offer most likely would not occur until arena negotiations are
completed among the Mavs, Stars and the city of Dallas. One
source said the stock offering could include all three entities,
the two teams and the new arena (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/12).
Arlington Mayor Richard Greene said the city is "not discouraged"
by reports that Carter will seek a commitment from potential
buyers to keep the team in Dallas. Arlington has been ready to
offer an arena deal that could accommodate both teams (John
Moritz, FT. WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM, 4/12).
