Dallas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Stars are considering relocating from the American Airlines Center as their lease approaches expiration in 2031. The team is exploring options for new homes in nearby cities like Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Ownership’s discussions reflect the need for real estate control and financial stability amid changing sports landscapes. A decision is expected within six to eight months, and plans may include refurbishing the existing arena or building a new hockey-specific venue. Local officials express concerns about the impact on fans and the importance of keeping teams in Dallas.
Dallas — The Dallas Stars are exploring potential new homes outside of Dallas, including Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth, as the team evaluates options with an eye toward its lease at the American Airlines Center expiring in 2031. Team officials are weighing whether to refurbish the current arena or build a hockey-specific facility elsewhere, and a final site decision is expected within months to allow a new arena to open by 2031.
Key developments and timeline
The Stars organization must decide on a new site within six to eight months to ensure a new arena is ready by 2031. The team has not confirmed any specific site as the leading candidate but acknowledges ongoing discussions with multiple locations. Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts stated that the organization is in talks with several cities, including Arlington, but has not made any decisions. The Stars are also evaluating options to either refurbish the American Airlines Center or build a hockey-specific arena elsewhere.
Why the move is under consideration
The Stars are looking to address the lack of real estate control around their current venue, as this impacts financial revenue. Ownership’s discussions reflect a shift in the sports landscape where teams seek lucrative opportunities and year-round revenue. Competition among surrounding cities to attract professional sports teams is increasing, with some cities having established entertainment complexes.
Local context and civic concerns
The Stars have been based at the American Airlines Center for 24 years. The American Airlines Center opened in July 2001 and serves as a shared venue with the Mavericks. Only two of Dallas’s four major sports franchises currently operate within city limits, as the Mavericks also consider a move to Irving. Dallas City Council member Chad West emphasizes the importance of keeping professional teams in the city for their health and viability.
There is concern that relocating to a suburb could alienate fans, especially those from Fort Worth, who would face longer travel times. The report indicates that the majority of ticket-buyers for the Stars are located in the Plano area. Stars fans remain supportive of the team regardless of the relocation decision, with optimism about the team’s future performance.
Historical notes
The Stars’ previous home was the Minnesota North Stars, before relocating to Dallas in 1993.
What this could mean for the region
The potential move is viewed within the context of broader trends where major sports teams are increasingly moving to suburban areas to build dedicated facilities and entertainment districts. As cities such as Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth position themselves to attract teams, local competition for sports and entertainment investment is intensifying.
For fans and city planners, the coming six to eight months will be crucial. A decision by ownership could reshape where home games, practice facilities, and adjacent development will be centered, and will influence traffic patterns, public infrastructure planning, and local economic strategies tied to sports and entertainment.
Next steps
The organization is assessing multiple proposals and comparing the financial and logistical implications of remaining at the American Airlines Center versus moving to a new, hockey-specific venue in the suburbs. Team leadership has indicated that talks are ongoing with several municipalities as it works to balance fan access, revenue opportunities, and long-term strategic goals.
Key facts
The Dallas Stars are exploring potential new homes outside of Dallas, including Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth.
This exploration comes as the hockey season begins and fans have high expectations for the team.
The Stars have been based at the American Airlines Center for 24 years.
Only two of Dallas’s four major sports franchises currently operate within city limits, as the Mavericks also consider a move to Irving.
Dallas City Council member Chad West emphasizes the importance of keeping professional teams in the city for their health and viability.
The Stars organization must decide on a new site within six to eight months to ensure a new arena is ready by 2031.
The team has not confirmed any specific site as the leading candidate but acknowledges ongoing discussions with multiple locations.
The Stars are looking to address the lack of real estate control around their current venue, as this impacts financial revenue.
Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts stated that the organization is in talks with several cities, including Arlington, but has not made any decisions.
The Stars are also evaluating options to either refurbish the American Airlines Center or build a hockey-specific arena elsewhere.
The report indicates that the majority of ticket-buyers for the Stars are located in the Plano area.
Competition among surrounding cities to attract professional sports teams is increasing, with some cities having established entertainment complexes.
Stars fans remain supportive of the team regardless of the relocation decision, with optimism about the team’s future performance.
The Stars’ previous home was the Minnesota North Stars, before relocating to Dallas in 1993.
The American Airlines Center opened in July 2001 and serves as a shared venue with the Mavericks.
Ownership’s discussions reflect a shift in the sports landscape where teams seek lucrative opportunities and year-round revenue.
There is concern that relocating to a suburb could alienate fans, especially those from Fort Worth, who would face longer travel times.
The potential move is viewed within the context of broader trends where major sports teams are increasingly moving to suburban areas to build dedicated facilities and entertainment districts.
FAQ
Q: Where are the Dallas Stars exploring as potential new homes?
A: The Dallas Stars are exploring potential new homes outside of Dallas, including Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth.
Q: Why is the team considering relocation now?
A: This exploration comes as the hockey season begins and fans have high expectations for the team.
Q: How long have the Stars been at the American Airlines Center?
A: The Stars have been based at the American Airlines Center for 24 years.
Q: How many of Dallas’s major sports franchises are currently within city limits?
A: Only two of Dallas’s four major sports franchises currently operate within city limits, as the Mavericks also consider a move to Irving.
Q: What do city officials say about keeping teams in Dallas?
A: Dallas City Council member Chad West emphasizes the importance of keeping professional teams in the city for their health and viability.
Q: When must the Stars choose a site to meet the 2031 deadline?
A: The Stars organization must decide on a new site within six to eight months to ensure a new arena is ready by 2031.
Q: Has the team chosen a leading candidate for relocation?
A: The team has not confirmed any specific site as the leading candidate but acknowledges ongoing discussions with multiple locations.
Q: What financial issue is motivating consideration of a new arena?
A: The Stars are looking to address the lack of real estate control around their current venue, as this impacts financial revenue.
Q: Are team executives talking with other cities?
A: Dallas Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts stated that the organization is in talks with several cities, including Arlington, but has not made any decisions.
Q: What are the venue options under consideration?
A: The Stars are also evaluating options to either refurbish the American Airlines Center or build a hockey-specific arena elsewhere.
Q: Where are most ticket-buyers for the Stars located?
A: The report indicates that the majority of ticket-buyers for the Stars are located in the Plano area.
Q: How competitive is the surrounding region for attracting teams?
A: Competition among surrounding cities to attract professional sports teams is increasing, with some cities having established entertainment complexes.
Q: How do fans feel about the potential move?
A: Stars fans remain supportive of the team regardless of the relocation decision, with optimism about the team’s future performance.
Q: What is the team’s relocation history?
A: The Stars’ previous home was the Minnesota North Stars, before relocating to Dallas in 1993.
Q: When did the American Airlines Center open and who shares it?
A: The American Airlines Center opened in July 2001 and serves as a shared venue with the Mavericks.
Q: What broader trend does this decision reflect?
A: Ownership’s discussions reflect a shift in the sports landscape where teams seek lucrative opportunities and year-round revenue.
Q: What concerns exist about moving to the suburbs?
A: There is concern that relocating to a suburb could alienate fans, especially those from Fort Worth, who would face longer travel times.
Q: How is this potential move contextualized nationally?
A: The potential move is viewed within the context of broader trends where major sports teams are increasingly moving to suburban areas to build dedicated facilities and entertainment districts.
Overview table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Potential locations | Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth |
| Decision timeline | Decide on a new site within six to eight months to ensure a new arena is ready by 2031 |
| Current arena | American Airlines Center (opened in July 2001; shared with the Mavericks) |
| Tenure at current arena | The Stars have been based at the American Airlines Center for 24 years |
| Fan base location | The report indicates that the majority of ticket-buyers for the Stars are located in the Plano area |
| Primary options under review | Refurbish the American Airlines Center or build a hockey-specific arena elsewhere |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas Stars Exploring New Arena Options
Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Dallas Stars Relocation
- Star-Telegram: Analysis on Dallas Stars’ Relocation
- Dallas News: Stars Fans Respond to Potential Departure
- Front Office Sports: Dallas Stars Move to Plano
- WFAA: Dallas Stars Weighing Relocation Options
- Wikipedia: Dallas Stars
- Google Search: Dallas Stars relocation
- Google Scholar: Dallas Stars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Stars
- Google News: Dallas Stars relocation
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