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[Saba Sports News] The Dallas Mavericks’ trade of Luka Doncic was already baffling from a basketball perspective — now it’s proving to be a financial disaster too.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, the Mavericks are projected to lose a massive amount of money after dealing away their franchise cornerstone.
The fallout includes tens of millions in lost revenue this season and a projected nine-figure loss — over $100 million — in the coming years. MacMahon cites shrinking attendance, plunging merchandise sales, and corporate sponsors cutting ties as the key factors behind the projected losses.
The backlash has been fierce since the unpopular February trade of the five-time All-NBA star, who returned to Dallas on Wednesday for the first time since being dealt.
Making matters worse, team leadership — including GM Nico Harrison and governor Patrick Dumont — publicly criticized Doncic after the deal, further straining fan relations.
Since then, the front office has added fuel to the fire by raising ticket prices and seemingly downplaying Doncic’s legacy with the team.
Though a team executive recently promised to win back fan trust, the widespread discontent — and sponsor departures — suggest that rebuilding goodwill may be a long shot.