The Dallas Stars’ decision to pursue a new arena in Plano left some Dallas officials on Tuesday fighting to keep the team and others preparing for the possibility of losing the franchise.
City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said Dallas is not giving up on the hockey team.
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“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,” Tolbert said in a statement.
Council member Adam Bazaldua called the news “certainly disappointing” but said he would not characterize it as a setback for Dallas.
“What is most disappointing is that Dallas taxpayers supported this franchise for decades,” Bazaldua said. “Our residents invested in its success, and many will feel that the loyalty and support they provided was not fully reciprocated.”
The team said Tuesday it had signed a nonbinding letter of intent to build a new arena and entertainment district at the Shops at Willow Bend site in Plano.
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Plano city officials are expected to consider the project Monday.
The announcement came one day after the Dallas Mavericks moved to secure the former Valley View Mall site for a potential arena and entertainment district.
Together, the developments raise questions about the future of American Airlines Center after the teams’ leases expire in 2031.
Council member Paula Blackmon said she had hoped the city could find a way to keep the team at American Airlines Center in Victory Park.
“I really wished we could have figured that one out. I really hate it,” Blackmon said.
She said the debate over a potential Mavericks arena at a redeveloped City Hall site may have left the Stars feeling overlooked.
Fans depart the American Airlines Center after an NHL hockey game between the Dallas Stars and the Chicago Blackhawks on March 8, 2026, in Dallas. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
Others held out hope.
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Council member Chad West noted the agreement with Plano is nonbinding and said Dallas should continue working to make staying in the city attractive to the team.
“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,” West said.
Plano officials, meanwhile, celebrated the prospect of landing one of North Texas’ most prominent sports franchises.
“Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,” Plano Mayor John Muns said in a statement. “The Dallas Stars are an iconic North Texas organization, and we are encouraged by their interest as conversations move forward.”
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