Dallas Stars to Relocate to Plano as Mavericks Eye New Arena

PLANO, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Stars are set to make a significant move from their current downtown location to the suburb of Plano in five years, following the expiration of their lease at the American Airlines Center. This decision was announced on Tuesday, with the team revealing that they have signed a nonbinding letter of intent to construct a new arena and entertainment complex approximately 20 miles north of their existing venue.

The Stars have shared the AAC with the NBA's Dallas Mavericks since its opening in 2001, and both teams’ leases will come to an end in 2031. Tensions between the two franchises have escalated recently due to a legal dispute regarding their partnership and the management of the arena.

This announcement comes shortly after the Mavericks disclosed plans for their own new arena, which will be located about 10 miles north of downtown, still within Dallas city limits. The Mavericks have reached a preliminary agreement for a site on the 104-acre area of the former Valley View Mall, which was demolished three years ago.

The proposed Stars arena is part of a broader redevelopment initiative at The Shops at Willow Bend, which will see the last enclosed mall built in Texas torn down. The Stars have submitted their letter of intent to the City of Plano, with the proposal set to be discussed at the upcoming City Council meeting next Monday. This plan includes not only the arena but also a mixed-use development featuring retail, dining, entertainment, and public spaces.

“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” stated Stars owner Tom Gaglardi. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming vote by the Plano City Council and highlighted the potential for the Stars to be integral to the revitalization of The Shops at Willow Bend.

The franchise, originally the North Stars from Minnesota, relocated to Dallas in the 1993-94 season and became the first team in the Sun Belt to win a Stanley Cup in 1999. They achieved this milestone while still playing at Reunion Arena, a venue they previously shared with the Mavericks before its demolition in 2009.