Dallas Stars choose Plano for new arena, entertainment district

DALLAS - The Dallas Stars plan to build a new arena and entertainment district in Plano, a move that comes one day after their co-tenant at the American Airlines Center announced plans to leave downtown.

Dallas Stars new arena in Plano

What we know:

The Dallas Stars have signed a nonbinding letter of intent with the City of Plano to build a new arena and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend site.

A press release from the team states the project could include "sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces anchored by a future Dallas Stars arena."

The Shops at Willow Bend are located off of W. Park Boulevard at the Dallas North Tollway. It is 17 miles north of the American Airlines Center. Google Maps estimates it would take about 20 minutes to drive to the Shops at Willow Bend from the AAC.

The nearest DART rail stop to the proposed new arena site is Parker Road Station, which is 8.2 miles away.

Any plans for a new arena would require approval from Plano City Council. A city council meeting on June 8 will include a public hearing on the Stars' plans for a new arena.

The Shops at Willow Bend is owned by real estate investment firm Centennial, who referred to the Stars' statement when asked for comment.

In February, Plano issued a formal letter of intent to the Stars for a 75-acre site at the Shops at Willow Bend to build a new $1 billion arena and entertainment district.

What do you think of the Stars leaving Downtown Dallas for a potential new arena in Plano? Let us know in the poll below.

Stars & Plano statements

What they're saying:

"This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise," Dallas Stars Owner, Governor and Chairman Tom Gaglardi said. "We eagerly await the vote by the Plano City Council and look forward to continuing the conversation to be part of the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend."

"Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment," Plano Mayor John Muns said. "The Dallas Stars are an iconic North Texas organization, and we are encouraged by their interest as conversations move forward."

City of Dallas statements

Dallas City Councilman Chad West provided the following statement to FOX 4 on the Stars' move:

"The City of Dallas must prepare itself to work with the Dallas Stars in a way that makes staying in their namesake city a win for the franchise and its fans."

Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua said the move is disappointing, but certain factors were out of the city's control.

"I know our City Manager worked diligently to keep the Stars in Dallas. Unfortunately, following their split with the Mavericks, the organization apparently did not believe it could sustain the American Airlines Center on its own. As a result, Plano likely presented an opportunity they felt they could not pass up.

For years, we’ve talked about focusing on the basics and creating a city where Dallas residents can live, work, and thrive. It’s time to turn those words into action. We should focus less on political maneuvering and catering to competing business interests, and more on delivering results for the people who call Dallas home. Our residents deserve to be our first priority, not an afterthought."

Dallas City Manager Kim Tolbert said the city will continue to work with the Stars to keep them in Dallas city limits:

"We have met with the Dallas Stars and learned they have signed a non-binding letter of intent related to a potential arena project in Plano. The Stars have been an important part of our city and community, and we value our longstanding partnership. We will continue conversations with the organization and work collaboratively to ensure the Stars remain playing in Dallas, where generations of fans have built lasting memories since 1993."

The American Airlines Center declined to comment.

Dallas sports teams leaving downtown

Dig deeper:

The Stars become the second professional sports team in North Texas this week to announce they plan on leaving Downtown Dallas.

On Monday, the Dallas Mavericks announced they plan to purchase a 104-acre lot at the former Valley View Mall site in Far North Dallas to build a new arena and entertainment district.

Both teams announcing their moves out of downtown so close to one another gives credence to the bubbling discontent between the American Airlines tenants.

The Stars and Dallas Mavericks have shared the American Airlines Center since it opened in 2001. Both teams' leases at the AAC are expected to expire in 2031. 

In October 2025, the Mavericks sued the Stars, arguing the team breached its contract when it moved the team's headquarters to Frisco. The Stars filed a countersuit, arguing the team's corporate and executive offices are still in Dallas. The Stars labeled the move a "hostile takeover" attempt.

A Dallas business court ruled in favor of the Mavericks last month, giving the Mavs the right to buy out the Stars' ownership interests in the AAC and take full control of the arena. The Stars quickly appealed that decision. It is not clear how the recent developments will impact the legal process.

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