Mark Cuban Personally Called NBA Fans Saying Mavericks Games Are Cheaper Than Taking the Family to McDonald's – 'First Game's On Me'

When Mark Cuban purchased the Dallas Mavericks in 2000 for $285 million, it wasn't just another business venture – it was the start of a complete transformation of a team that had long struggled to succeed. 

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Cuban didn't just want to be an owner sitting on the sidelines; he wanted to reshape how fans connected with the team and how it operated both on and off the court. Today, the Mavericks are one of the most recognized franchises in the NBA, and much of that success stems from Cuban's innovative strategies and relentless drive to build a strong connection with fans.

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One of the first things Cuban did after taking over was tackle the issue of low attendance. At the time, Mavericks games weren't exactly drawing in crowds. Cuban understood that if he wanted to build a successful franchise, fans needed to be engaged – and that started with filling the seats. Instead of focusing solely on flashy marketing or promotions, he took a much more personal approach. Cuban would personally reach out to fans and position going to a Mavericks game as an affordable, family-friendly experience. He often told fans, "It's less expensive to come to a Mavericks game than to take your family to McDonald's."

This comparison wasn't just clever marketing – it was a way to shift the perception of the Mavericks. Many viewed attending an NBA game as an expensive outing reserved for special occasions. Cuban wanted to change that narrative, making games more accessible to the average family. By positioning the Mavericks as an affordable entertainment option, Cuban was able to tap into a new audience of potential fans.

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But he didn't stop there. Cuban would even offer free tickets to first-time fans, telling them, "The first game's on me." This hands-on approach wasn't just a gimmick – it was a real investment in building a fan base that would stick with the team long-term. By offering that initial experience for free, Cuban was confident that fans would return for more once they saw the value of attending a game. It was a strategy that worked. Attendance began rising, and the Mavericks built a solid, loyal fan base.

Cuban's commitment to the fan experience went beyond ticket prices and clever marketing tactics. He understood that people weren't just coming to watch basketball; they were coming for an experience. Cuban greatly emphasized improving in-game entertainment, upgrading facilities, and ensuring every aspect of attending a game was enjoyable for fans. He knew that if people had a memorable time at the arena, they would keep returning, regardless of the team's performance. In Cuban's words, the Mavericks weren't just in the basketball business – they were in the business of creating lasting memories.

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Over the years, Cuban's focus on enhancing the fan experience helped turn the Mavericks into one of the most profitable and popular teams in the NBA. By shifting the perception of what it meant to attend a game and making fans feel valued, he built a strong foundation for long-term success. Cuban's influence on the team's growth wasn't just limited to what happened on the court – it extended to every aspect of the organization, from marketing to fan engagement to business operations.

Today, the Mavericks are worth billions, and Cuban's vision played a huge role in getting them there. His innovative approach to ownership, focus on creating a fan-first experience, and ability to connect with people helped transform the team into what it is today. Even after selling a majority stake in 2023, Cuban remains heavily involved with the Mavericks, continuing to shape the future of a franchise he helped build from the ground up.

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