Behind the Mavs Name

THE NICKNAMES
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In 1979 Don Carter and Norm Sonju requested the right to bring an NBA franchise to Dallas. The former professional basketball team in Dallas (Chaparrals of the ABA) moved to San Antonio and became the Spurs.

In 1980 the league voted to admit the new franchise into the Western Conference to begin play in the 1980-81 season.

In March 1980, radio station WBAP conducted a Name the Team contest. More than 4,600 entries were received and turned over to a five-person committee. The committee narrowed the choices to Mavericks, Wranglers and Express, ultimately recommending Mavericks to owner Donald Carter. All 41 persons who suggested the name Mavericks were given two tickets to the charter season opener and in a drawing of those 41, Carla Springer was awarded a pair of season tickets.