NHL commissioner Gary Bettman gives opinion on likely Mavs-Stars arena split

The Mavericks and Stars are headed toward an inevitable split after more than 30 years of sharing the same arena.

American Airlines Center likely will one day be home to just the Stars, since the Mavericks have made it apparent they plan to build a new arena and entertainment district — without the Stars — within Dallas city limits.

As recently as Wednesday, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts reiterated the franchise has decided to build its new home as a basketball-only facility.

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NHL commissioner Gary Bettman held a 16.5-minute news conference Thursday night ahead of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals between the Stars and the Edmonton Oilers. The media availability coincidentally occurred inside the basement of AAC, the space the Mavericks formerly used for a practice court.

Bettman, using the Stars and Mavericks as an example, was asked about his thoughts on the relationship between NBA and NHL teams.

“Giving a blanket generalization probably isn’t helpful,” Bettman said. “Here in Dallas, it’s clear, including the most recent comments by the Mavericks’ CEO, that they want to go build a new arena for themselves. OK. They’re entitled to do that. It doesn’t affect the Stars.”

The Mavs’ lease at American Airlines Center expires on July 31, 2031. Welts desires for the team to open the new arena before the 2031-32 season. Welts’ reasoning for not including hockey in their plans is rooted in “a better viewing experience for basketball fans.”

The Stars have occupied American Airlines Center for nearly 25 years since its opening in 2001.

“This is a great building,” Bettman said. “Has always been a great building. The bones are terrific. Probably needs some updating because it’s 25 years old, but [Stars owner] Tom Gaglardi is committed to the city of Dallas. I think he believes that the team should be in the city. They’ll either do something with this building or build their own.”

Stars president and CEO Brad Alberts told The Dallas Morning News the franchise has not entertained the possibility of a new arena outside Dallas.

“Not concerned about the Stars moving somewhere or anything like that,” Bettman said. “The Stars are here. Tom’s committed to this market. There are great fans here and either this arena will be updated or there will be a new arena for hockey.

“If basketball teams think it’s in their interest to build single-purpose arenas, that’s their prerogative.”

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