Dallas Stars to Plano? What we know about the Willow Bend Mall arena proposal

Wings could be moving to American Airlines Center

As the Dallas Stars and Mavericks fight a legal battle in court, the hockey franchise might be closer to leaving the city all together. 

PLANO, Texas - The city of Plano has formally entered the race to become the future home of the Dallas Stars, submitting a letter of intent to relocate the NHL franchise to the site of the Shops at Willow Bend, according to Dallas City Councilman Chad West.

What we know:

In an interview with FOX 4, West revealed that Plano has issued a formal letter of intent to court the Stanley Cup-winning team. While he noted that he is not surprised Plano would want to attract such a popular franchise, the Stars have not yet signed the document.

West said that despite the offer, the Stars are still in active discussions about staying in Dallas. He emphasized that city leaders owe it to both the team and Dallas residents to keep the franchise "in the heart of the Metroplex."

Plano officials declined to comment on the matter, stating they will not address economic development proposals until they receive formal City Council approval.

The backstory:

The push for a new arena comes as the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks remain locked in a contentious legal battle over the management of the American Airlines Center (AAC). The Mavericks sued the Stars in late 2025, alleging a breach of their partnership agreement. The Stars filed a countersuit, labeling the move a "hostile takeover" attempt.

Both teams have leases at the AAC that expire in 2031, and both are currently evaluating separate sites for new facilities that would allow for more surrounding real-estate development.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dallas Mavericks sue Dallas Stars over AAC control

The Dallas Mavericks have sued the Dallas Stars, claiming the Stars' move of their headquarters to Frisco breached a contract, allowing the Mavericks to claim sole ownership of the companies that run the jointly owned American Airlines Center.

The other side:

As the Stars weigh a move north, a new tenant may be eyeing the AAC. The WNBA’s Dallas Wings are facing significant delays in their planned relocation to a new downtown arena and practice facility, which is now projected for completion in 2027 or 2028.

In response to these delays, several Dallas City Council members filed a memo this week requesting a formal discussion on moving the Wings into the American Airlines Center for practice and game days. The move would provide the team a home while they wait for their permanent facility to be completed.

Local perspective:

The Shops at Willow Bend, also known as Willow Bend Mall, is located in West Plano near the Dallas North Tollway. The site is approximately 17 miles north of the American Airlines Center and offers the roughly 75 acres of land the Stars are reportedly seeking for a new arena and entertainment district.