Miriam Adelson, the widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, has emerged as a controversial figure in the NBA landscape. With a net worth of around $27 billion, primarily derived from her ownership in the Las Vegas Sands casino, Adelson made headlines when she acquired majority ownership of the Dallas Mavericks for $3.5 billion from Mark Cuban. However, her tenure has been marked by divisive decisions, most notably the trade of star player Luka Dončić, leading to backlash from fans and a decline in the team’s performance.

Adelson’s ownership, alongside her son-in-law Patrick Dupont and general manager Nico Harrison, has been criticized for turning the Mavericks into a “laughingstock.” The decision to trade Dončić, who was instrumental in the team’s previous success, has sparked fan outrage and chants of “Fire Nico” across various platforms. Beyond basketball, Adelson’s political affiliations, including substantial donations to Donald Trump’s campaign and vocal support for Israel, have further polarized opinions about her role as an NBA owner.

The aftermath of the Dončić trade has seen the Mavericks struggle on the court, leading to potential financial losses and fan discontent. The decision to increase season ticket prices has exacerbated tensions, with visible signs of protest and dissatisfaction among supporters. As Adelson’s ownership decisions continue to impact the team and its fan base, the narrative of her influence transcends basketball, reflecting a complex interplay between sports, politics, and public perception in the NBA landscape.