The Dallas Mavericks have hired Kieran Kelliher as their new chief financial officer, an important move for the team’s business operations as the franchise prepares to move into a new arena in five years.
The Mavericks said Kelliher, who spent 12 years in similar roles with the Chicago Bulls, will oversee finance and administrative matters, focusing on long-term investments. He will report to CEO Rick Welts.
“We are pleased to welcome Kieran to the Mavericks,” Welts said in a statement. “His deep expertise in financial strategy and extensive NBA experience will play a meaningful role in the future of our organization and the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Kelliher said in a statement he is “honored to join the Mavericks at this critical juncture, to help continue the winning culture of investing in our fan and employee experience.”
Business Briefing
The Dallas Mavericks have hired Kieran Kelliher as their new chief financial officer. Kelliher spent 12 years in similar roles with the Chicago Bulls.
Dallas Mavericks
The appointment of Kelliher comes at a pivotal time for the organization. They are looking to unlock new and existing revenue streams as they prepare to leave the American Airlines Arena, their home since 2001, when their lease expires in 2031.
In January, Welts told The Dallas Morning News they have narrowed their focus to two locations for an arena in Dallas. Those locations are downtown and the Valley View Center property, a sprawling 110-acre site at Preston Road and Interstate 635.
He said a decision is expected by July.
Welts said this month on the Intersections podcast that while a downtown site like City Hall is “a very viable option,” the team has no control over it and cannot negotiate unless it becomes available. City officials continue to discuss whether to repair the nearly 50-year-old building or to relocate city government.
At the same time, Kelliher’s hiring reflects the continued steps the franchise is taking as it embarks on the new arena project.
Last month, the Mavericks announced they retained CAA Sports to lead the franchise’s commercial strategy for the development of a new arena. The collaboration is focusing on identifying brands for naming rights and other sponsorship deals that align with Welts’ vision for a “next-generation” sports and entertainment arena.
During his 12-year tenure with the Bulls and Bulls Charities, Kelliher led the franchise’s efforts to host the NBA All-Star Game in 2020. He also helped launch its G League franchise, the Windy City Bulls in 2016.
Kelliher will continue to serve on the NBA G League’s Leadership and Labor Relations committees, and the NBA’s Risk Management Advisory Council. He is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in accounting and finance, and spent nine years with Deloitte before joining the Bulls.