The Dallas Mavericks Are Getting a New Arena!

Dallas is turning the page. The Texas franchise officially announced Monday its decision to leave the American Airlines Center when its lease expires in 2031, after 30 years at the downtown venue. The team has reached a preliminary agreement to purchase land on the site of the former Valley View Mall in north Dallas, whose demolition was completed three years ago.

This move would mark a first in franchise history: for the first time, the Mavericks would play outside of downtown Dallas. The team had previously left Reunion Arena in 2001 to move to the American Airlines Center, located less than two kilometers to the north. This time, the leap is far greater, both geographically and symbolically.

For years, Valley View sat vacant. Now, it could become the future home of the Dallas Mavericks. 🏀

The team announced Monday that it has secured purchase options for about 104 acres at the former mall site, marking a major step toward building a new arena and entertainment… pic.twitter.com/Lx02x81kLo

— Dallas Morning News (@dallasnews) June 1, 2026

A Massive Project to Transform North Dallas

The Mavericks’ vision goes well beyond simply building a basketball arena. The team wants to create an entertainment district around the arena: restaurants, green spaces, a luxury hotel, a new practice facility, and a 5,000-seat venue dedicated to concerts and sporting events.

« We have the opportunity to create a dynamic, mixed-use destination anchored around a next-generation arena, with restaurants, entertainment options, public green spaces, and family-friendly experiences, » the franchise said in a statement. « Thoughtfully developed in partnership with the community, a project of this scale will be a true economic catalyst for Dallas and its residents. »

Here is the Mavericks’ official statement on selecting the former Valley View Mall site for their new arena home: https://t.co/HjnmHcqbQk pic.twitter.com/Vpbhu7DLlu

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 1, 2026

Rick Welts, named CEO of the Mavericks in January 2025 and coming out of retirement specifically to lead this project, previously oversaw the construction of the Chase Center in San Francisco for the Warriors. Last March, he stated: « I think what we are envisioning is one of the largest sports development projects ever undertaken. We’re talking hotels, retail, a new arena, a new practice facility. » Welts had set July as the deadline to finalize the site selection in order to meet the 2031 target.

The Origins of the Project

The team had also considered a downtown site at the current location of Dallas City Hall. But faced with the city council’s indecision over the future of that building, the Mavericks decided not to wait any longer.

The franchise was eager to reassure its fans: « We believe in Dallas, and our priority has always been clear: keep the Mavericks in Dallas. » The franchise noted that it worked closely with the city to identify all available options before making a decision.

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On the court, the Mavericks are going through a rebuilding phase after two seasons without a playoff appearance. The team’s future largely hinges on Cooper Flagg, the Rookie of the Year, as well as the anticipated return of Kyrie Irving, who missed the entire season due to a torn ACL. A new chapter is opening for Dallas, in every sense of the word.