The majority owner of the Dallas Mavericks has taken legal action against the Dallas Stars, accusing the NHL team of breaching their lease by blocking anticipated renovations at the American Airlines Center, their shared arena in downtown Dallas. Dallas Sports Group (DSG), owned by billionaire Miriam Adelson and her son-in-law Patrick Dumont, claims the Stars have hindered efforts to upgrade the 24-year-old venue and is seeking court intervention to affirm its lease rights and proceed with the renovations. DSG obtained a 69% controlling interest in the Mavericks in December 2023 for about $3.5 billion.
In response, the Stars, led by owner Tom Gagradi, filed a countersuit to restore normal arena operations, accusing the Mavericks of attempting a hostile takeover of the arena’s management that could reduce the Stars to merely a tenant and potentially push them out of Dallas. The Stars highlighted their recent investments, including a $30 million upgrade aimed at enhancing fan experience.
The two teams operate the American Airlines Center under a joint company, with the arena owned by the city of Dallas. DSG alleges the Stars resisted upgrades and broke an agreement to keep their headquarters in Dallas until 2031 by relocating offices to Frisco, whereas the Stars argue their Frisco location supplements their downtown headquarters. Dallas city manager Kimberly Biser Tolbert urged both teams to stay dedicated to the city, calling it the best outcome for fans and the teams.
This legal battle coincides with both teams exploring new venue options. Reports suggest the Stars might move to suburban Plano by 2031, allowing potential mixed-use developments, while the Mavericks are planning their own separate arena project, led by CEO Rick Welts. This dispute resembles previous conflicts between joint arena tenants in other cities but has already escalated to the Texas Business Court in Dallas.
Fan Take: This legal feud highlights the growing challenges NHL teams face with shared arenas, which could impact the Stars’ future in Dallas and fan access to games. For hockey fans, the outcome will be critical in determining whether the team stays in the city or relocates, potentially changing the NHL landscape in Texas.
