Remember back when Nike ruled the sports world?
Don’t look now, but Under Armour is quickly gaining ground.
Jordan Spieth’s historic arrival on the golf scene is powered by the athletic apparel company. And now – admittedly less significantly – the Mavs are losing their president and CEO to the imminent giant.
Terdema Ussery has been with the Mavs for 18 years, longer than owner Mark Cuban and star Dirk Nowitzki. But he’s announcing that he’s leaving the organization to become Under Armour’s president of global sports categories. With the Mavs, he was part of the franchise’s campaign to secure public funding to build the new American Airlines Center.
Floyd Jahner, who had been the team's COO, will take over as CEO.
Ussery will be missed. He boasted a bubbly, optimistic attitude. He was a respected, calm voice – at times a necessary balance for the fiery Cuban.
The irony of the move? Before joining the Mavs, Ussery worked for Nike.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
