Dallas, September 14, 2025
News Summary
Dallas welcomed the 7th Annual Celebrity Tennis Classic hosted by Dirk Nowitzki, featuring notable former NBA players and special guests. The event aimed to raise funds for North Texas nonprofits dedicated to children’s health, well-being, and education. Engaging fan experiences included players mic’d up with live commentary during matches. Proceeds will support local programs addressing poverty and adversity faced by children, highlighting the community impact of this charitable initiative.
Dallas
Dirk Nowitzki hosted the 7th Annual Celebrity Tennis Classic at Banner House at T Bar M in Dallas on Saturday, with proceeds directed to North Texas nonprofits serving children’s well‑being, health, and education. The event attracted a large crowd and featured former NBA players, special guests, and amplified fan engagement through mic’d-up play and on‑court commentary. Funds raised will support programs addressing poverty, illness, and abuse among children in the region.
What happened: key facts first
The Tennis Classic brought together notable former professional athletes, including Steve Nash, Joakim Noah, Devin Harris, Rolando Blackman, and Shawn Marion, alongside Texas Rangers legend Elvis Andrus. The Dallas Mavericks’ top pick in the 2025 draft, Cooper Flagg, made a special appearance and took part in matches. All participating players were mic’d up during matches, providing live stories and commentary to increase entertainment value for the audience. Event organizers confirmed that proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits focused on children’s services.
Event location and beneficiaries
The event was staged at Banner House at T Bar M, a private facility in Dallas that has hosted the annual fundraiser. Donations and ticket proceeds from the Tennis Classic are earmarked for North Texas organizations that provide direct services to children facing economic hardship, medical challenges, and other forms of adversity. The foundation behind the event directs its grants and support toward programs that address education, health care access, and protective services.
Supporting details and notable appearances
Beyond the headline participants, the Tennis Classic featured multiple former NBA stars in exhibition play and fan‑oriented activities. The presence of high‑profile athletes helped draw a large turnout and generated a lively atmosphere. Media and fan attention increased when players were mic’d during matches, allowing spectators to hear in‑game commentary, anecdotes, and light‑hearted exchanges, enhancing the spectator experience without interrupting play.
Dirk Nowitzki used the event platform to highlight the abilities and potential of Cooper Flagg, commenting on his versatility and work ethic and noting the unique position Flagg occupies as a No. 1 draft pick joining a team with existing success. Steve Nash also offered perspective on Flagg’s transition into a winning roster, characterizing the situation as uncommon for typical top draft selections. No direct quotations are provided in this report to maintain a neutral summary of the event.
Entertainment and community impact
Organizers described the matches as high energy, with fans responding positively to both competitive play and interactive elements. The combination of celebrity participation and a philanthropic mission contributed to both fundraising success and community awareness of the foundation’s programs. Nowitzki expressed gratitude for supporters and emphasized the event’s role in generating tangible community benefits.
Context and related developments
The Tennis Classic is part of the broader work of Dirk Nowitzki’s foundation, which focuses on children confronting challenges such as poverty, serious illness, and abuse. The foundation has staged multiple benefit events over the years to raise funds and build partnerships with local service providers.
Separately, Nowitzki is set to join a new NBA studio show produced for Amazon Prime, where he will share insights on the league. The Dallas Mavericks are also preparing for the 2025–26 NBA season, having secured several players with long‑term contract extensions. The Mavericks’ schedule includes an opening game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, 2025.
Logistics and future events
Event organizers indicated plans to continue hosting the Tennis Classic as an annual fundraiser, using the visibility of celebrity guests and local sports ties to sustain support for nonprofit partners. Details on funds raised and the specific nonprofit recipients typically follow the event as donations are tallied and grants are allocated.
FAQ
What was the purpose of the Tennis Classic?
The purpose was to raise funds and awareness for North Texas nonprofits that support children’s well‑being, health, and education, including programs that assist children facing poverty, illness, or abuse.
Where and when did the event take place?
The 7th Annual Celebrity Tennis Classic took place on Saturday at Banner House at T Bar M in Dallas.
Who participated in the event?
Participants included Dirk Nowitzki as host, former NBA players such as Steve Nash, Joakim Noah, Devin Harris, Rolando Blackman, and Shawn Marion, Texas Rangers legend Elvis Andrus, and Cooper Flagg, the Dallas Mavericks’ No. 1 draft pick for 2025.
How did the event engage fans?
All players were mic’d up during matches, offering live commentary and stories that increased entertainment value and fan interaction. The event drew a large crowd and featured high‑energy exhibition matches.
How will the funds be used?
Proceeds will be donated to local nonprofits focused on children’s services, funding programs related to health, education, and protective services for children in need.
Are there any related announcements about Nowitzki or the Mavericks?
Dirk Nowitzki will join a new NBA studio show on Amazon Prime, and the Dallas Mavericks are preparing for the 2025–26 season after signing players to long‑term extensions; the team opens its season on October 22, 2025, against the San Antonio Spurs.
Event Key Features
| Feature | Details | Relative Level |
|---|---|---|
| Charitable Focus | Support for children’s well‑being, health, and education |
|
| Celebrity Participation | Multiple former NBA players and sports figures attended |
|
| Fan Engagement | Players mic’d up; live commentary and storytelling |
|
| Media & Future Exposure | Nowitzki joining Amazon Prime NBA studio show |
|
| Team Outlook | Mavericks preparing for 2025–26 season; season opener Oct 22, 2025 |
|
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Weekend Brings Diverse Cultural Festivities
Additional Resources
- WFAA: Dirk Nowitzki Hosts Celebrity Tennis Tournament
- Dallas News: Highlights from Dirk Nowitzki’s Annual Tennis Classic
- Mavs Moneyball: Annual Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic
- Star-Telegram: Dallas Mavericks Tennis Classic Details
- Audacy: Dirk Nowitzki Talks Mavericks Tennis Classic
- Wikipedia: Dirk Nowitzki
- Google Search: Dirk Nowitzki Tennis Classic
- Google Scholar: Dirk Nowitzki
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dirk Nowitzki
- Google News: Dirk Nowitzki
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
