The Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars have resolved their yearlong legal dispute and agreed that the American Airlines Center will remain their shared home at least through the 2030–31 season, bringing a temporary truce to two major professional sports franchises planning eventual moves out of downtown Dallas.
Litigation Ends After High-Stakes Pretrial Rulings
Tensions between the organizations became public in October when the Mavericks filed a petition for injunctive relief. The petition alleged that the Stars breached a 1998 franchise agreement requiring their corporate headquarters to remain within Dallas city limits—a violation the Mavericks claimed began in 2003 when the hockey team opened its headquarters in Frisco. The Mavericks also accused the Stars of obstructing arena maintenance and failing to pay their fair share of renovations needed to maintain the Victory Park facility.
The Stars filed a countersuit one day later. Legal battles intensified when a judge ruled that the Mavericks were within their right to enact a $110 redemption claim for the Stars’ 50% interest in the Center Operating Company, which controls the arena. Ever since that redemption claim, the teams’ quarterly arena proceeds—described by the parties as being in the tens of millions—have been held in escrow.
“The Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars have reached an agreement that resolves the outstanding matters between the two organizations, American Airlines Center will continue to serve as the home of both teams at least through the 2030-31 season.”
Joint statement from the teams, via Dallasnews
What the Settlement Means for Downtown Dallas
While the legal hostilities have ceased, terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. Representatives for both organizations emphasized a mutual desire to move forward. Stars spokesman Joe Calvillo noted that the matter has been amicably resolved to the satisfaction of both parties, adding that neither side will offer further comment.
Photo: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
City leaders expressed relief over the resolution as municipal planners look toward the future of the urban core. Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert noted that the settlement marks a critical juncture for the local sports and entertainment district.
“We are pleased to hear that an agreement has been reached. As we plan for the future of downtown and our sports and entertainment district, this agreement is an important step, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with both organizations as we work to strengthen their long-term future in our city.”
Photo: The New York Times
Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Dallas City Manager
Despite the renewed commitment to the American Airlines Center through the end of the decade, both teams appear headed elsewhere shortly thereafter. The Mavericks entered into an option agreement in June to purchase approximately 104 acres at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas with the intention of building a new, team-owned arena ahead of the 2031–32 NBA season. Meanwhile, the Stars signed a letter of intent to develop a hockey-only arena and entertainment district in Plano, roughly 25 miles north of downtown Dallas, where taxpayers could potentially cover up to $700 million of a projected $1 billion project.
Unanswered Questions and Shared History
The resolution leaves several operational questions unanswered. It remains unclear what will happen to the substantial escrow funds accumulated from quarterly arena proceeds, or which entity will maintain control of the American Airlines Center once the lease expires in 2031. Furthermore, the arena itself faces an uncertain future after 2031 with no full-time tenant set to occupy the building.
Mavericks-Stars lawsuit: Why two Dallas franchises are at odds over shared use of American Airlines
The two franchises have shared a roof since 1993, first playing at Reunion Arena until 2001 before relocating to the American Airlines Center. The upcoming 2031–32 season is projected to mark the first time the teams will not share an arena since the Stars relocated to Texas.
The settlement also arrives during a period of transition for the Mavericks’ front office. The team has faced multiple legal proceedings since Patrick Dumont and Miriam Adelson purchased a majority share from Mark Cuban in December 2023, though related petitions filed by Cuban’s legal counsel earlier this summer were successfully withdrawn in August.
WHAT Is Going On With The Dallas Mavericks And Dallas Stars Ongoing Legal Battle?
