Mark Cuban's Unique Purchase of Mustang, Texas
What would you do with a wealth that reaches billions? For Mark Cuban, the answer was quite extraordinary. In a remarkable act of friendship, the billionaire entrepreneur, best known as a part-owner of the Dallas Mavericks, decided to purchase an entire town. In an unexpected move, he bought Mustang, Texas, for around $2 million, and it wasn't exactly bustling with life—in fact, the town had no residents. This purchase, however, isn't just about a financial transaction; it carries a heartfelt story behind it.
A Friend in Need
Cuban shared the details during an appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, where he recounted a poignant tale. One of his close friends, Marty Price, who played pickup basketball with him, was facing serious health issues after being diagnosed with cancer. He owned Mustang, a town that had seen better days and was primarily an asset with emotional significance.
The Story Behind the Town
Price's circumstances made it difficult for him to keep up with the upkeep or manage the sale of Mustang. With his family's future weighing heavily on his mind, Cuban stepped in to alleviate the burden. As he recalled, Cuban felt compelled to help his friend in a meaningful way. By purchasing Mustang, Cuban made it easier for Price's family to focus on supporting him without the added stress of property management.
An Empty Patch with a Rich History
Mustang isn’t your typical investment destination; it’s a ghost town steeped in quirky history. Nestled about an hour south of Dallas, Mustang was once a lively spot known for selling liquor after disannexing from the nearby town of Angus in 1973, which had prohibited alcohol sales. At its height, the town housed a trailer park, a strip club, and a fire station. Fast forward to today, Mustang is characterized by unpaved roads and vacant land—a stark contrast to its once-buzzing past.
Innovative Visions for the Future
Though he hasn’t set foot in Mustang since the acquisition, Cuban has shared potential plans that could transform the town. He toyed with the idea of renaming it Dinosaur, Texas, a concept rooted in his investment in Dino Don—a company dedicated to creating animatronic dinosaurs. During his conversation on The Drew Barrymore Show, he humorously added that this idea could involve giant, Jurassic Park-style dinosaurs adorning the town.
Humor and Friendship
Currently, Mustang remains largely untouched and serves as a sentimental asset. Cuban even playfully appointed a friend as the “mayor” to maintain the land, merging humor with camaraderie. What’s more, he generously allowed the neighboring town of Angus to utilize space on the land for parking their new fire truck, marking a small but significant use of the property.
A Gesture Beyond Business
While Cuban’s plans for Mustang are still in the air, the act of purchasing the town itself speaks volumes about his character and his willingness to support friends during challenging times. Cuban's simple rationale—"I can help Marty and I could buy this town"—captures the essence of the gesture, reflecting a deeper narrative of friendship and loyalty that is often absent in the world of high finance and wealth accumulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mark Cuban buy a ghost town?
Mark Cuban bought Mustang, Texas, to help his friend Marty Price, who faced serious health challenges and needed assistance with managing the town.
What is the history of Mustang, Texas?
Mustang was once a lively town known for selling liquor and had various establishments. Today, it is a ghost town with only remnants of its past.
Are there any future plans for Mustang?
While there are no immediate plans, Cuban has discussed the idea of renaming it Dinosaur, Texas, inspired by his investment in an animatronic dinosaur company.
How has Cuban's purchase impacted his friend?
Cuban's purchase of Mustang alleviated the burden on Marty Price's family, allowing them to focus on his health during a critical time.
Is there any activity happening in Mustang currently?
Mustang remains largely unused, but a friend of Cuban is playfully referred to as the “mayor,” and the nearby town has parked emergency vehicles on the land.
