Texas Businessman and Former Liverpool Co-Owner Tom Hicks Dies at 79

Texas businessman Tom Hicks, known internationally for his former co-ownership of Liverpool FC, has died at the age of 79. Hicks, a prominent figure in sports and private equity, built a wide-ranging business portfolio that extended from baseball and hockey to major international investments. His passing marks the end of a decades-long career that left a visible imprint both in the United States and abroad.

Hicks rose to national prominence through his Dallas-based holdings, but his business decisions often sparked discussion across Texas, including in Houston, where residents closely follow developments in regional leadership, finance, and professional sports. His tenure as co-owner of Liverpool FC, which began in 2007, attracted global attention and eventually criticism due to financial challenges the club faced under his and his partner’s management.

Legacy in Sports and Business

Beyond Liverpool FC, Hicks was well known in the American sports world for his ownership of the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Stars. His approach to team management and investment made him a central figure in debates about the economics of modern sports ownership. Many of his ventures were marked by bold acquisitions and large-scale financial strategies that reshaped the landscape of multiple leagues.

Although Hicks stepped away from high-profile sports deals in later years, his earlier work helped set precedents in team valuations and private investment. Those developments continue to influence how sports franchises are bought, sold, and managed today.

Why It Matters

While Hicks operated largely out of Dallas, his impact on the Texas business community resonated statewide. His investments, successes, and challenges provided key case studies for business leaders, economists, and sports analysts across the region, including here in Houston. His death offers a moment to reflect on how major sports owners shape not only teams, but also the industries connected to them.

For Houston’s business community, Hicks’ career serves as a reminder of the influence Texas investors can wield on an international stage. His approach to high-value assets, aggressive financing, and sports branding provides long-term lessons for executives and entrepreneurs navigating competitive markets.

This article is a summary of reporting by BBC. Read the full story here.