DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Dončić has left many season ticket holders reconsidering their investment, with some fans now being offered refunds for the remaining home games.
Season ticket representatives for the team have been inundated with calls from concerned fans, questioning the future of the franchise without its superstar.
Michael Civello and his wife, dedicated Mavericks season ticket holders for a decade, are among those grappling with the fallout.
“We love our team,” Civello said. “We love our players, and we’re extremely loyal to them.”
However, the blockbuster trade—sending Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis—has shaken their confidence.
Fans Offered Refunds Amid Backlash
Civello is part of a growing group of ticket holders who claim the Mavericks are offering refunds for the remaining games.
“They told me I could cancel and receive a refund for all remaining games,” he explained. “But it would also mean forfeiting my season ticket membership moving forward.”
Misti Skidmore and her husband were also presented with a refund option.
“It’s hard to support an organization that would make this kind of decision,” Skidmore said. “I feel like they did Luka wrong.”
Despite her disappointment, Skidmore intends to keep her tickets—at least through April 9, when Dončić makes his highly anticipated return to Dallas with the Lakers.
“I hope we give him the biggest standing ovation,” she added.
Looking Ahead: A Season of Uncertainty
While some fans are cutting ties with the team, others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Civello, for one, will attend games for the rest of the season but is reconsidering his long-term commitment.
“I still want to support the team and the players. It’s not their fault,” he said. “But I really don’t see myself renewing for next season.”
Mavericks Respond to Refund Reports
When asked about the refund policy, the Mavericks provided a brief statement that neither confirmed nor denied the offers.
“We value every season ticket member relationship and have representatives available to assist members with any concerns or questions,” the team said.
For fans like Civello, the financial impact of walking away is significant—he estimates a refund for his family’s seats would be close to $2,000.
As the dust settles from this franchise-altering trade, the Mavericks face not just the challenge of rebuilding their roster but also regaining the trust of their most loyal supporters.