I’m not done with the Dallas Mavericks because of the Dallas Cowboys.

In the sports world, it’s not uncommon for fans to passionately follow multiple teams in the same city, especially when those teams represent both competing professional leagues. For fans in Dallas, however, the choice is more complex. The Dallas Cowboys, the NFL’s most popular and polarizing franchise, have dominated the sports conversation for decades, overshadowing other teams in the city, including the Dallas Mavericks. As the Cowboys’ off-field drama and on-field disappointments continue to capture headlines, it’s easy to feel like the Mavericks are often relegated to the background. However, for many fans of both teams, a subtle rebellion has been brewing—a quiet acknowledgment that, for all the Cowboys’ allure, it’s the Mavericks who may offer a more fulfilling, exciting, and sustainable path forward in terms of success.

The tension between the two teams—the Cowboys’ perpetual pursuit of the elusive Super Bowl and the Mavericks’ quest to build a championship contender around one of the most promising young superstars in the NBA—has never been more palpable. As much as the Cowboys’ brand has become synonymous with Dallas, it’s hard to ignore how, for long stretches of time, the Mavericks have offered fans the opportunity to experience hope and accomplishment in ways the Cowboys simply haven’t. In this piece, we’ll explore why, despite the Cowboys’ high-profile nature and dominance of the local sports narrative, the Dallas Mavericks offer something more—something worth rooting for—even if you’re still a fan of America’s Team.

The Cowboys’ Overarching Shadow

The Dallas Cowboys are undeniably one of the most recognizable brands in sports. They are a global phenomenon, with a legacy that stretches back to the 1960s. The franchise’s success in the 1970s, including their three Super Bowl titles, cemented their place as America’s Team. The 1990s revival under coach Jimmy Johnson brought three more championships, further elevating the Cowboys to a cultural institution. The team’s longstanding success, coupled with an immense national fan base, means that the Cowboys are always a focal point of NFL discussions, whether they’re winning or losing.

However, that national visibility often leads to a level of scrutiny that many teams don’t face. Fans in Dallas—and elsewhere—are subjected to a constant cycle of optimism, high expectations, and frequent disappointment. Every offseason, the Cowboys are hailed as Super Bowl contenders, and every postseason, they seem to fall short of those lofty goals. For over two decades, the Cowboys have been trapped in a cycle of mediocrity, with only a single playoff win since their last Super Bowl victory in 1995.

This persistent underachievement has created a sense of frustration among fans who have lived through seasons of hope only to see those hopes dashed in January. In contrast to the Cowboys, who seem perpetually caught between the promise of potential and the disappointment of failure, the Dallas Mavericks have offered a different kind of experience—a far less high-profile one, but one that has provided more tangible success in recent years.

The Mavericks’ Resurgence: A New Era of Hope

While the Cowboys’ star has somewhat dimmed in recent years, the Mavericks’ star is burning brighter than ever. The arrival of Luka Dončić in 2018 marked the dawn of a new era for the Mavericks—a transition from a rebuilding phase to championship contention. Dončić, at just 24 years old in 2025, has already established himself as one of the most talented and electrifying players in the NBA. His all-around skill set, including his scoring ability, playmaking, and leadership, has placed the Mavericks on the precipice of greatness.

What makes Luka’s story particularly compelling is his rise from a European wunderkind to an NBA superstar. Coming out of Slovenia, Dončić had already won EuroLeague MVP and helped lead Real Madrid to a EuroLeague title. His transition to the NBA, while initially met with questions about his ability to translate his European success into the more physical and athletic NBA, was almost seamless. By his second season, Dončić was averaging 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists per game, and he immediately became one of the league’s most marketable and beloved stars.

For Mavericks fans, Luka represents more than just a star player. He is the face of the franchise’s future, the man who could lead them to their first NBA title since the legendary 2011 championship run. More than that, Luka’s persona—his fiery passion, his clutch performances, and his unrelenting desire to win—has instilled a renewed sense of belief in the Mavericks. While the Cowboys struggle to find a leader capable of lifting them to the top of the NFL, the Mavericks have a generational talent already at their helm.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Mavericks: Expectations vs. Reality

The dichotomy between the Cowboys and the Mavericks in terms of fan experience is striking. The Cowboys, with their massive payroll and often expensive off-season acquisitions, promise a Super Bowl run every year but rarely deliver. Whether it’s coaching changes, underperforming players, or a dysfunctional front office, the Cowboys have become more known for their inability to win the big one than for actual championships. In the 2020s, the Cowboys’ “championship window” has felt more like a mirage—always close but never fully realized.

The Mavericks, on the other hand, have taken a different approach. They are not as flashy or historically storied as the Cowboys, but they have embraced a more pragmatic, forward-looking approach. Rather than trying to build a roster of aging veterans or making massive, high-risk moves to appease a fanbase desperate for instant gratification, the Mavericks have carefully constructed a team around Luka Dončić. While their quest for a championship has yet to materialize, the team’s consistent focus on player development, asset management, and surrounding Luka with the right pieces has made them perennial contenders in the Western Conference. They have managed to do this without the overwhelming pressure that surrounds the Cowboys.

In the NBA, the path to a title can sometimes feel more achievable than in the NFL, where the parity between teams is tighter and individual players have less of an impact. One player in the NBA can truly change the course of a franchise, and Luka Dončić represents that one player for the Mavericks. He’s not just the centerpiece of the team; he is the team. The Mavericks have built a system that maximizes his strengths, and while they are still working on surrounding him with the perfect roster, they are moving in the right direction.

For Cowboys fans, it’s hard not to feel jealous. The Cowboys have built their team around quarterback Dak Prescott, but his inconsistency and inability to win in the postseason have left many questioning if he’s truly capable of leading the team to the promised land. The Cowboys’ offense, despite having some explosive weapons, has been often mired in mistakes and missed opportunities. On the other hand, the Mavericks have a leader in Luka who can take over a game with ease and has already proven himself on the biggest stage, albeit without the ultimate prize just yet.

A More Manageable, Relatable Success

Another reason why many Dallas fans have gravitated toward the Mavericks, especially in recent years, is the more relatable and accessible nature of the team. While the Cowboys are steeped in a tradition of grandeur, inflated expectations, and endless drama (both on and off the field), the Mavericks have built a culture that feels more grounded. The franchise’s focus on player development, fostering a positive locker room environment, and building a sustainable contender rather than chasing quick fixes has resonated with many fans who are tired of the Cowboys’ endless cycle of hype and disappointment.

In addition, the NBA’s regular season, with its 82 games, provides a far more consistent flow of basketball to watch. NBA games are often more fast-paced and high-scoring than NFL games, and while the Cowboys play just 17 regular season games a year, Mavericks fans are treated to a game almost every other night. This consistency allows fans to become more connected with their team, follow the ebbs and flows of the season, and feel like they’re on a more tangible journey.

Furthermore, the Mavericks have embraced the idea of “teamwork” in a way the Cowboys have not. The Cowboys, for all their talent, have sometimes struggled with locker room cohesion and clear leadership from the coaching staff. Conversely, the Mavericks have built a culture where Luka’s leadership and the collective work ethic of the roster are key components of their success. This sense of unity, even in the face of setbacks, makes the Mavericks’ journey more relatable and—at least for now—more successful than the Cowboys’.

 The Mavericks Offer a Path Forward

While the Dallas Cowboys may continue to dominate the media and public perception in the city of Dallas, it is the Dallas Mavericks who have emerged as the team that offers more consistent hope, excitement, and a brighter path to future success. With Luka Dončić leading the charge, the Mavericks’ trajectory looks much more promising than the Cowboys’, who remain locked in an ongoing cycle of high expectations and unfulfilled potential.

For many fans, the decision to remain invested in the Mavericks despite the Cowboys’ constant media spotlight isn’t a knock on the Cowboys’ legacy—it’s a choice to root for something that feels more tangible and within reach. The Mavericks have embraced a clear vision of building a championship contender around one of the most unique and gifted players in the NBA, and while the Cowboys continue to fall short of their Super Bowl aspirations, the Mavericks’ blueprint for success feels more attainable.

So, while the Cowboys may continue to dominate the Dallas sports conversation, there’s no denying that the Mavericks represent the team that offers the most compelling mix of hope, excitement, and possibility for the future. Whether you’re a die-hard Cowboys fan or someone just looking for a team to invest in, it’s hard to ignore the growing momentum around the Dallas Mavericks and their pursuit of an NBA title with Luka

Dončić leading the way.