Dirk Nowitzki Invites Mavericks Fans for a Star-Studded Event Headlined by Cooper Flagg & More

February 1, 2025, left Dallas shaken. Luka Dončić’s trade to the Lakers hit hard, and for a while, fans feared it even drove a wedge between Dirk Nowitzki and the franchise. But with Cooper Flagg’s arrival easing the sting and the recent Dirk-Flagg buzz making headlines, things might finally be shifting. Dirk seems to be warming up—at least towards Mavs fans—as he now calls on them to show up and support an event close to his heart.

Dirk Nowitzki is gearing up for the 7th Annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic, an exhibition-style tournament where celebrities and athletes come together for a day filled with fun, philanthropy, and friendly competition. In the past, we’ve seen names like Steve Nash, Andy Roddick, Luka Dončić, Ben Stiller, and Owen Wilson hit the court, so we expect another star-studded lineup this year. The best part? Every dollar raised goes right back into the North Texas community, funding impactful projects and supporting nonprofits through annual grants.

Dirk Nowitzki just took over the Mavs’ Instagram and dropped a personal invite you can’t miss! In his video message, he said, “Hey, Mavs fans, Dirk here. Come on out this Saturday to the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic. Devin Harris, Steve Nash, Elvis Andrus, Cooper Flagg are all coming out to support. And we’d love for you to come out and support as well.” The event is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, at Banner House at T Bar M in Dallas, and tickets are available through the Mavs’ bio.

And that’s just a glimpse of what’s in store—the full lineup brings even more star power to the court!

Alongside the names Dirk mentioned, you’ll also see former All-Star Joakim Noah, tennis pro CoCo Vandeweghe, actor and tennis enthusiast Boris Kodjoe, and Coby Cotton from Dude Perfect.

Before Dirk Nowitzki became a Mavericks legend, tennis actually had his heart first. Yep — tennis was his “first love.” He grew up with a racket in hand, following the sport passionately and even reaching a national ranking in Germany. “I watch tennis a lot,” Nowitzki said. “I love tennis. I grew up playing tennis, so I’ve followed the sport my entire life. Of course, I’m a huge Roger Federer guy, a Nadal fan. It’s tough to really pick one favorite.” Growing up in an era ruled by icons like Steffi Graf and Boris Becker, Dirk once dreamed of going pro. But after a big growth spurt at 15, he swapped the racket for a basketball and, well, the rest is Dallas history.

Still, that love for tennis never really left; in fact, it inspired this entire event. “Tennis was my first sport, and it’s still a game I love to play,” Dirk said. “I started this fundraiser years ago, and it’s been incredible to watch it grow into an event that not only brings the community together but also makes a real difference for children and families in need.”

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