The Dallas area’s sports landscape was shaken when a Tuesday morning development gave us another look into the behind-the-scenes strife between the Mavericks and Stars.
Below, we’ll break down what led to the Mavericks’ 253-page petition for injunctive relief against Stars ownership and what to expect moving forward from the franchises:
What happened?
Late Tuesday morning, Mavericks ownership filed in Texas Business Court a 253-page petition for injunctive relief against Stars’ ownership, seeking legal finality on a breach of contract dispute the Mavericks raised in October 2024.
Mavericks
The Mavericks allege the Stars are in breach of a clause in their 1998 franchise agreement that requires their corporate headquarters to be located within the city of Dallas, while also claiming in the injunction that the Stars have obstructed further maintenance and improvements to American Airlines Center. The Stars’ headquarters and practice facility have been located in Frisco since 2003.
How we got here
The Mavericks and Stars have shared a venue since 1993, starting at Reunion Arena when the hockey franchise moved to Dallas from Minneapolis. What led to the yearlong breakdown in their relationship?
Here’s a look at some of the key events in this saga that took place over the last year, starting with a February 2024 meeting that included Mavericks governor Patrick Dumont and Stars president/CEO Brad Alberts:
Feb. 12, 2024
Dumont flies to Dallas for his first in-person game as team governor and first meets with Alberts. They discuss a shared vision to significantly upgrade AAC, regardless of whether the Mavericks build a new arena.
Sept. 16, 2024
Center Operating Company files for state licensing for a $30 million project for elevator and escalator modernization and extensive slab work to improve “patron circulation.”
Oct. 8, 2024
The Stars and Mavericks verbally agree to evenly split the bill for a $300 million renovation of AAC. During that meeting, Alberts apologizes for the Stars moving their headquarters to Frisco, saying the franchise was unaware of the lease breach and would commit to returning to Dallas by December 2025.
Oct. 14, 2024
Alberts alerts Dallas assistant city manager Robin Bentley the deal is off.
Oct. 20, 2024
Alberts indicates the Stars would extend their AAC lease agreement to 2035 if the Mavericks also do so.
Oct. 25, 2024
The Mavericks send the Stars $110 in cash and a letter informing them that in light of the 2003 lease breach, they are exercising their contractual right to purchase the Stars’ interest in Center Operating Company.
Sept. 9, 2025
The Stars up their AAC improvements request to at least $400 million to $500 million.
Oct. 3, 2025
City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert sends Stars owner Tom Gaglardi a letter recapping the Stars’ “baffling change of course” and ensuing fallout.
Oct. 7, 2025
The Mavericks send the Stars a letter referring to Tolbert’s breach notice as legal reinforcement of their action last October to buy their interest in Center Operating Company.
A news report emerges that the Stars are eying Plano as a destination for a new arena and have engaged in talks with Frisco, The Colony, Arlington and Fort Worth.
Oct. 28, 2025
The Mavericks file their petition for injunction.
Related
What’s next for the Mavericks?
The Mavericks want to build a basketball-only arena in Dallas. Mavericks CEO Rick Welts previously told The Dallas Morning News the Mavericks are looking for a 30- to 50-acre site in Dallas, but he stressed in July that the team is nowhere close to making a decision.
Here’s a look at some of the potential sites for a new Mavericks arena.
What’s next for the Stars?
The Stars could also relocate at some point. The NHL team has been in discussion with Plano, Frisco, The Colony, Arlington and Fort Worth as potential destinations to build a new arena, Alberts told The News on Oct. 3.
An area to keep in mind? The Shops at Willow Bend Mall site in Plano.
How long will the Mavericks and Stars play at AAC?
Both teams could leave American Airlines Center after the current lease ends in 2031. The Stars haven’t ruled out remaining in AAC past the teams’ July 2031 lease expiration, but Alberts said they would not agree to the terms laid out in October 2024, which would have given the Mavericks full operating control. The business side of the Stars would suffer significantly, he said.
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