DALLAS – The Dallas Stars plan to build a new arena and entertainment district in Plano, a move that comes one day after their co-tenant at the American Airlines Center announced plans to leave downtown.
Dallas Stars new arena in Plano
What we know:
The Dallas Stars have signed a nonbinding letter of intent with the City of Plano to build a new arena and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend site.
A press release from the team states the project could include “sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena.”
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 07: A general view of the Dallas Stars jersey logo during the first period of the game between the Washington Capitals and the Dallas Stars at Capital One Arena on January 7, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Ge
Any plans for a new arena would require approval from Plano City Council. A city council meeting on June 8 will include a public hearing on the Stars’ plans for a new arena.
The Shops at Willow Bend is owned by real estate investment firm Centennial, who referred to the Stars’ statement when asked for comment.
In February, Plano issued a formal letter of intent to the Stars for a 75-acre site at the Shops at Willow Bend to build a new $1 billion arena and entertainment district.
Stars & Plano statements
What they’re saying:
“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” Dallas Stars Owner, Governor and Chairman Tom Gaglardi said. “We eagerly await the vote by the Plano City Council and look forward to continuing the conversation to be part of the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend.”
“Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,” Plano Mayor John Muns said. “The Dallas Stars are an iconic North Texas organization, and we are encouraged by their interest as conversations move forward.”
Dallas sports teams leaving downtown
Dig deeper:
The Stars become the second professional sports team in North Texas this week to announce they plan on leaving Downtown Dallas.
On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks announced they plan to purchase a 104-acre lot at the former Valley View Mall site in Far North Dallas to build a new arena and entertainment district.
Dallas Mavericks planning to leave Downtown Dallas
The Dallas Mavericks will look to build their new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site in Far North Dallas.
The team was reportedly interested in building a new arena at the site of the current Dallas City Hall, but will instead make the move outside of downtown Dallas for the first time in franchise history.
Both teams announcing their moves out of downtown so close to one another gives credence to the bubbling discontent between the American Airlines tenants.
The Stars and Dallas Mavericks have shared the American Airlines Center since it opened in 2001. Both teams’ leases at the AAC are expected to expire in 2031.
In October 2025, the Mavericks sued the Stars, arguing the team breached its contract when it moved the team’s headquarters to Frisco. The Stars filed a countersuit, arguing the team’s corporate and executive offices are still in Dallas. The Stars labeled the move a “hostile takeover” attempt.
A Dallas business court ruled in favor of the Mavericks last month, giving the Mavs the right to buy out the Stars’ ownership interests in the AAC and take full control of the arena. The Stars quickly appealed that decision. It is not clear how the recent developments will impact the legal process.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Dallas Stars and the City of Plano.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.fox4news.com ’
