Dallas, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Stars are considering possible relocation as their lease at the American Airlines Center approaches expiration. Team officials are assessing various cities including Plano, Frisco, Arlington, and Fort Worth for a new arena site. Although negotiations are ongoing, no final decisions have been made. The team expresses interest in staying at their current venue under certain conditions, particularly if they become the sole tenant following the Mavericks’ plans for a separate arena. The decision process must be finalized quickly to meet construction timelines for the 2031-32 season.
Dallas — The Dallas Stars Are Exploring Arena Options as 2031 Lease Nears Expiration
Dallas — The Dallas Stars are exploring the possibility of leaving Dallas as their lease at American Airlines Center is set to expire in 2031. Team leadership has not made a final decision but is actively examining alternatives as timing for any potential move grows tighter.
Topline developments
Discussions are ongoing regarding potential new locations for the team’s arena in the cities of Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth. A recent internal review identified Plano as one of the most likely destinations, but no binding agreement exists. The team has also signaled interest in remaining at the American Airlines Center under certain conditions.
What has been confirmed
Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts confirmed that no decisions have been made yet about the team’s future home. The club’s ownership advisory group, which includes 21 members, has been part of the review process. A report indicated that the team’s 21-person ownership advisory group identified Plano as one of the most likely destinations for a new arena.
Negotiations and options
Alberts clarified that there is no deal with Plano yet and emphasized that they are in discussions with multiple cities, including Arlington, which is eager for the Stars to move there. The Stars remain open to staying at their current facility if terms can be reached, even in the event the Mavericks pursue their own separate arena project. The Stars remain open to the option of staying at American Airlines Center even if the Mavericks, who share the space, choose to build a separate arena.
Lease and co-tenancy context
In April, Alberts mentioned that the team preferred to stay in Dallas and had begun talks about renegotiating the lease rate if they became the sole tenant. Meanwhile, the Mavericks plan to build a basketball-only arena separate from the Stars, contributing to the potential split after cohabiting at the arena for over two decades.
The Mavericks plan to build a basketball-only arena separate from the Stars, contributing to the potential split after cohabiting at the arena for over two decades.
Business strategy and land needs
The Stars are evaluating options beyond game-day revenue, aiming to build a facility and surrounding development that generate year-round income. Alberts highlighted that the sports entertainment industry is increasingly linked to real estate, which is driving the desire to seek new opportunities for 365-day revenue streams. To support those plans, the team is specifically looking for at least 75 acres of land to construct a new arena and surrounding facilities.
Timing and project schedule
Time constraints are significant. Timing is critical; if the Stars decide to relocate, they would need to finalize a site within the next 6-8 months and begin construction by 2028-2029 to be ready for the 2031-32 season. That window reflects standard lead times for land acquisition, permitting, and multi-year construction on large mixed-use arena projects.
Local reaction and competitive landscape
Dallas officials, including City Spokesman Rick Ericson, expressed a desire to retain the Stars, citing their significance in the city since their arrival in 1993. At the same time, Arlington’s appeal is underscored by its existing partnerships with other major professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. Local officials in the Dallas-Fort Worth region are weighing economic and civic implications of any move.
Facilities and footprint in the region
The organization already operates facilities around the Metroplex, including training and community rinks. The Stars currently have a practice facility in Frisco and operate multiple ice rinks in the Metroplex, including one in Plano. These existing investments factor into decisions about proximity for players, staff, and fans.
Business model shift and future considerations
The review reflects a broader shift among professional sports teams toward integrated real estate development to boost non-game-day revenue. The operational model for sports franchises is shifting towards generating additional revenue outside the games to ensure financial sustainability. Ultimately, the future decision regarding the Stars’ home will consider the team’s business strategy and the evolving landscape of the sports market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Next steps
Officials say the team will continue formal discussions with multiple cities while completing internal reviews and community outreach. Any relocation decision will hinge on site availability, financing, municipal incentives, and the ability to meet the construction timetable required for the 2031-32 season. Until a site is secured or a lease is renegotiated, the American Airlines Center remains the Stars’ home.
FAQ
- Are the Dallas Stars considering leaving Dallas?
- Dallas — The Dallas Stars are exploring the possibility of leaving Dallas as their lease at American Airlines Center is set to expire in 2031.
- Which cities are being considered for a new arena?
- Discussions are ongoing regarding potential new locations for the team’s arena in the cities of Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, and Fort Worth.
- Has the team decided where it will play?
- Stars President and CEO Brad Alberts confirmed that no decisions have been made yet about the team’s future home.
- Did an internal group recommend a likely destination?
- A report indicated that the team’s 21-person ownership advisory group identified Plano as one of the most likely destinations for a new arena.
- Is there a deal with Plano?
- Alberts clarified that there is no deal with Plano yet and emphasized that they are in discussions with multiple cities, including Arlington, which is eager for the Stars to move there.
- Will the Stars stay at American Airlines Center?
- The Stars remain open to the option of staying at American Airlines Center even if the Mavericks, who share the space, choose to build a separate arena.
- Has the team tried to renegotiate the lease?
- In April, Alberts mentioned that the team preferred to stay in Dallas and had begun talks about renegotiating the lease rate if they became the sole tenant.
- Are the Mavericks planning a separate arena?
- The Mavericks plan to build a basketball-only arena separate from the Stars, contributing to the potential split after cohabiting at the arena for over two decades.
- Why is the team considering a move tied to real estate?
- Alberts highlighted that the sports entertainment industry is increasingly linked to real estate, which is driving the desire to seek new opportunities for 365-day revenue streams.
- How much land does the team need?
- The team is specifically looking for at least 75 acres of land to construct a new arena and surrounding facilities.
- What is the timeline for a move?
- Timing is critical; if the Stars decide to relocate, they would need to finalize a site within the next 6-8 months and begin construction by 2028-2029 to be ready for the 2031-32 season.
- What have local officials said?
- Dallas officials, including City Spokesman Rick Ericson, expressed a desire to retain the Stars, citing their significance in the city since their arrival in 1993.
- Why might Arlington be attractive?
- Arlington’s appeal is underscored by its existing partnerships with other major professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.
- Is the team’s business model changing?
- The operational model for sports franchises is shifting towards generating additional revenue outside the games to ensure financial sustainability.
- Where does the team currently operate facilities?
- The Stars currently have a practice facility in Frisco and operate multiple ice rinks in the Metroplex, including one in Plano.
- What will guide the final decision?
- The future decision regarding the Stars’ home will consider the team’s business strategy and the evolving landscape of the sports market in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lease expiration | 2031 |
| Potential cities | Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington, Fort Worth |
| Ownership advisory group | 21-person group identified Plano as a likely destination |
| Land required | At least 75 acres |
| Decision/timeline | Finalize site within next 6-8 months; begin construction by 2028-2029 |
| Target readiness | 2031-32 season |
| Current regional assets | Practice facility in Frisco; multiple ice rinks including one in Plano |
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times: Dallas Stars Exploring Arena Options
- Front Office Sports: Dallas Stars Eyeing Move to Plano
- Dallas News: Dallas Stars Relocation Options
- KFGO: Stars Evaluating Home Venue Options
- Star Local Media: Stars Could Move from Dallas
- Wikipedia: Dallas Stars
- Google Search: Dallas Stars relocation
- Google Scholar: Dallas Stars
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Stars
- Google News: Dallas Stars arena
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