Mark Cuban defends Mavericks’ COVID policy as preseason prepares to begin

The Dallas Mavericks will require fans entering the American Airlines Center for home games to have proof of being fully vaccinated against the coronavirus or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of the game.

The Mavericks follow the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets and Golden State Warriors, who will have similar policies. The Thunder and Mavericks are the only teams to have adopted the policy without a local mandate to comply with.

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The Mavs are one of the teams that have the policy in place without a local mandate. (REUTERS / Borut Zivulovic / Reuters photos)

The ad reached the inboxes of Mavericks season pass holders, according to 105.3 The Fan in Dallas. Additionally, fans will be required to wear masks throughout the arena, except when eating or drinking. Children under the age of 12 who are not seated within 15 feet of the court will not need to comply with the requirements, but anyone over the age of 2 should always wear a mask.

Mavericks team owner Mark Cuban explained the decision to D Magazine.

“We wanted to keep our customers and employees safe. There is no absolute with COVID. But based on the data we have, we felt it was the best decision. As data and science evolve, we will re-evaluate our decisions as often as we think it helps, ”Cuban said.

Dallas, Texas, United States; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban shoots before the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the American Airlines Center. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters Photos)

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Cuban also responded to criticism of the policy on Twitter.

Mavericks fans are hopeful that a new coach and a roster full of talent, including Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, will bring them back to the NBA Finals.

Luka Doncic is one of the biggest stars in the NBA. (AP Photo / LM Otero / AP Newsroom)

The Mavericks have a home preseason game on October 6.

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Dallas has rebounded in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Jason Kidd has been hired to replace Rick Carlisle as head coach this season.