Dallas Stars Explore Relocation Options Ahead of Lease Expiry

Dallas, October 7, 2025

News Summary

The Dallas Stars are considering relocation as their lease at the American Airlines Center is set to expire in 2031. With the Dallas Mavericks planning to build a new arena, the Stars are eyeing suburban locations like Plano, Dallas, and Arlington for a potential new venue. This shift reflects a broader trend in professional sports towards suburban sites, driven by demographic changes and commuting patterns in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The Stars hope to maintain their strong performance and fan base in a new location.

Dallas – The Dallas Stars are exploring relocation options as their lease at the American Airlines Center (AAC) is set to expire in 2031. The AAC, which has hosted both the Stars and the Dallas Mavericks since it opened in July 2001, will no longer have the Stars as tenants following the Mavericks’ plans to construct a new arena. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts is leading the development effort for a new venue that aims to be operational by the 2021-22 season, signaling a new chapter for both franchises.

As the Stars approach the end of their lease, they are primarily targeting Plano for a new home but are also considering sites in Dallas and Arlington. This exploration of new locations is indicative of a wider trend in professional sports where teams are moving from urban centers to suburban areas. Notably, Dallas has surged to become the fourth-largest media market in the United States, prompting franchises like the Stars to position themselves for future growth and a broader fan base.

Plano’s potential as a new venue site is appealing to the Stars due to the majority of their ticket-buying base residing in that area, alongside the presence of larger businesses. The Stars have existing ties to Plano, operating a youth hockey facility there and a practice facility in Frisco. This local infrastructure could facilitate a smoother transition should they decide to relocate.

In recent years, other teams including FC Dallas, the Atlanta Braves, and the Chicago Bears have made similar moves to suburban locations, reflecting changing demographics and commuting patterns. In the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex, sports attendance often requires a 45-minute to one-hour commute, which highlights the growing importance of venue accessibility for attracting fans.

Although the Stars seem focused on potential suburban options, their ownership has not completely ruled out the possibility of remaining in Dallas or constructing a new venue within the city itself. The NHL commissioner has also noted that the Stars can thrive with either retaining their current venue or building a new one, suggesting that discussions are likely to be ongoing in the coming years.

Additionally, future conversations surrounding the Stars’ relocation may involve leveraging interest from suburban cities, which could lead to competition for marquee sports tenants in the region. The Stars have consistently performed well in recent seasons, reaching the playoffs in six out of the last seven seasons, indicating a strong foundation for continued success in a new venue.

A recent advisory group meeting for the Stars leadership confirmed that discussions about relocation are active, with Plano emerging as a leading candidate for a new arena. The fate of the franchise in the coming years will depend on a variety of factors, including fan engagement, market conditions, and the ongoing dialogue with potential host cities.

Key Details:

• The Dallas Stars are exploring relocation options as their lease at the American Airlines Center nears expiration in 2031.
• The Dallas Mavericks plan to build a new arena in Dallas.
• Primary relocation target for the Stars includes Plano, with additional interests in Dallas and Arlington.
• Dallas is the fourth-largest media market in the U.S.
• The Stars have reached the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons.

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Additional Resources

• Star-Telegram: Dallas Stars Relocation News
• Wikipedia: Dallas Stars
• Front Office Sports: Dallas Stars Relocation Plans
• Google Search: Dallas Stars relocation
• Local Profile: Dallas Stars Move to Plano
• Google Scholar: Dallas Stars relocation
• New York Times: Dallas Stars Arena Relocation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas Stars
• WFAA: Dallas Stars Weighing Relocation Options
• Google News: Dallas Stars

Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER

The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.