Dive Brief:
- The Dallas Mavericks announced Thursday that the National Basketball Association franchise has appointed Chicago Bulls veteran Kieran Kelliher as its new CFO, according to a press release.
- During his 12 years at the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Bulls Charities, Kelliher led the Bulls’ efforts to host the NBA All-Star Game in 2020, as well as the 2016 launch of the Windy City Bulls — part of the NBA’s minor league “G League” franchise, according to the release.
- “We are pleased to welcome Kieran to the Mavericks,” Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said in a statement. “His deep expertise in financial strategy and extensive NBA experience will play a meaningful role in the future of our organization and the exciting opportunities ahead.”
Dive Insight:
Kelliher joins the Maverick’s organization as it seeks new revenue streams and prepares to leave the American Airlines Arena, the team’s home since 2001, according to The Dallas Morning News.
He has deep roots in Illinois and took a traditional path to the CFO seat. A CPA, he holds a master’s degree in accounting science and a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also spent nine years at the Big Four firm Deloitte, according to his LinkedIn profile.
He served the Bulls from 2014 to March 2026, working in such roles as vice president of finance and administration of the Chicago Bulls and as treasurer. He has also served as an adjunct lecturer in the Sports Master’s program at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
Kelliher will continue his work on the NBA G League’s Leadership and Labor Relations Committees, and the NBA's Risk Management Advisory Council.
