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Dallas Mavericks reach preliminary deal on new arena site outside downtown

The team plans to leave American Airlines Center by 2031, moving away from downtown Dallas for the first time in franchise history.

Those who know the story, I'm sure the statute of limitations have passed...

Image was captured by a camera suspended by a kite line. Kite Aerial Photography (KAP) 7' Rokkaku
Those who know the story, I'm sure the statute of…      American Airlines Center Dallas    Jeff Attaway from Abuja, Nigeria / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
By Free News Press Editorial Team
Published June 2, 2026 at 1:34 AM PDT

The Dallas Mavericks are planning to leave downtown Dallas, and they have a preliminary deal on a site to make it happen, according to ESPN.

The move would mark the first time in franchise history that the Mavericks play outside of downtown. The team spent 21 years at Reunion Arena before relocating to American Airlines Center, where they have played since 2001. Under the current plan, the Mavericks would move into a new arena in 2031, one year after the franchise's 50th anniversary.

Details about the specific site have not been disclosed, but the preliminary agreement signals that the team's ownership is actively pursuing a departure from its current home. American Airlines Center, which opened more than two decades ago, would be left behind under the timeline the club is working toward.

The 2031 target gives the Mavericks and the city of Dallas several years to finalize agreements and complete construction. Major arena projects of this scale typically involve negotiations with local governments over infrastructure, financing, and surrounding development.

American Airlines Center during a Dallas Stars National Hockey League (NHL) game. This photo was taken on December 4, 2009.
American Airlines Center during a Dallas Stars Na…      American Airlines Center Dallas    Cordey / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)