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Dallas Mavericks to Stay in the City: Bold Plans for a New Arena and Revitalized District

A New Vision Beyond Basketball

The Dallas Mavericks are not just securing their future—they're reimagining it. With their lease at the American Airlines Center set to expire in 2031, CEO Rick Welts made it clear: the team is staying in Dallas, and they’re aiming for something far grander than just a sports venue.

Welts unveiled ambitious plans to transform the arena into the heart of a year-round, mixed-use district—one that blends hospitality, commerce, and community life. Imagine:

• A hotel adjacent to the arena
• The team’s headquarters and practice facility relocated downtown
• Medical partnerships, retail spaces, and restaurants open 365 days a year

This isn’t just a new home for basketball—it’s about creating a vibrant neighborhood, not just a game-day destination.

Two Prime Locations vying for the Mavericks’ Future

The team is eyeing two major sites for this vision:

1. The Dallas City Hall Area: A Historic Opportunity

Welts has been in discussions with city officials for over a year about this 50-acre site, insisting on a well-planned development rather than an arbitrary patch of land.

But here’s the catch—the decision is in the city’s hands. Mayor Eric Johnson has outlined two cost paths:

• Repair City Hall: Roughly $329 million
• Full Reconstruction: Potentially over $1 billion

Johnson stresses that the city’s priority is taxpayer value, leaving the fate of the site uncertain—at least for now.

2. The Former North Dallas Mall: A Fresh Start

The second option? A former mall property in North Dallas. A clean slate could offer more flexibility, but the Mavericks seem to favor the City Hall area for its central location and symbolic importance.

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A High-Stakes Deadline Looms

The Mavericks aren’t waiting around. Welts has set a July deadline to announce the chosen site, putting pressure on the city to act.

If approved, construction would span 30 months, finishing just as the current lease ends in 2031—a seamless transition into their new home.

With the next city council meeting in late May, all eyes are on Dallas officials to make a move. The clock is ticking, and the stakes couldn’t be higher—for the Mavericks, for the city, and for the future of downtown Dallas.