In an era where professional sports franchises are increasingly scrutinized, a group of high school students at Highland Park High School (HPHS) offers a fresh perspective on the changing dynamics of fan loyalty. Through a unique teaching experience, Michael Hogue, an alumnus, engaged with juniors and seniors who participated in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) program. This initiative, funded by the Moody family, equips students with professional skills and prepares them for life beyond academia.

The MAPS program includes a course on Sports Analytics, which attracted 55 students eager to discuss recent articles about the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks. The discussions delved into the role of sports owners within the social compact, particularly focusing on stadium funding. These young minds expressed skepticism towards public funding for billionaire-owned stadiums, questioning the transparency and integrity of local ownership. One student remarked, "Why should I trust Jerry Jones or the new Maverick owners?" Their concerns reflect a broader disillusionment with how professional teams operate.

The shift in preference from professional to college sports was evident during the discussions. Nearly 93% of students favored college sports over professional leagues, citing greater competition, rich traditions, and compelling rivalries. College football emerged as the favorite, partly due to the lack of confidence in their hometown pro football team, the Cowboys. Students preferred Friday night high school games and Saturday college matches over professional contests. Interestingly, the Dallas Stars emerged as the most favored local pro team, followed by the Texas Rangers. Despite this, the Mavericks topped the list as the least trusted franchise, with many students believing that trading Luka Doncic marked the beginning of a plot to relocate the team to Las Vegas.

The Rangers, however, stood out as the most trusted franchise, winning two-thirds of the vote. Students praised the team's sensible moves and commitment to fan satisfaction. Chris Young, the Rangers' general manager and an HPHS alumnus, received particular acclaim for his leadership. This survey, though limited in scope, highlights a significant shift in North Texas sports culture. Once dominated by professional teams like the Cowboys, the region now sees a growing preference for college and even high school sports. This change underscores the importance of trust, transparency, and community engagement in maintaining fan loyalty. As these young people grow into adulthood, their perspectives will undoubtedly shape the future of sports fandom in North Texas.