Among the tasks for CAA Sports will be identifying a brand for the naming rights for the future arena project.
DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks announced Wednesday a partnership with CAA Sports, a division of leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), to “guide the franchise’s commercial strategy for its future arena development.”
The partnership, according to a Mavericks press release, will “focus on identifying world-class brands for naming rights and other founding partner opportunities aligned with the Mavericks’ vision for a modern, next-generation sports and entertainment destination.”
The Mavericks are in the midst of identifying the location of their proposed new arena, which the team intends to move to after their current lease with the American Airlines Center ends in 2031. Mavs CEO Rick Welts told the DMN last month that their new arena search had been narrowed down to two options: Downtown Dallas (where City Hall lies) or the old Valley View Center property.
City Hall is located on Marilla Street in Downtown Dallas, and the Valley View mall property sits at the corner of Preston Road and Interstate 635 in northern Dallas.
Mavericks officials said its future venue project “reflects the franchise’s commitment to delivering an elevated fan experience, expanded community impact and a state-of-the-art home for both basketball operations and large-scale live events.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Dallas Mavericks, an innovative, forward-thinking NBA franchise backed by one of the most loyal fan bases in sports, as they bring to life their vision for a next-generation sports and entertainment destination,” said Paul Danforth, CAA Managing Director and President, CAA Sports. “This marks a tremendous opportunity for brands to align with a dynamic, world-class organization in the thriving economic hub of Dallas.”
CAA Sports has completed more than $15 billion in new sponsorship business for its clients since 2007, the Mavs release stated. The firm has also been named “Best in Property Consulting, Sales, and Client Service” by the Sports Business Journal five times. It orchestrated the naming rights deals for the San Francisco 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium, Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, and the LA Clippers’ Intuit Dome.
“This is a foundational moment for our organization. Arena development requires the right advisors at the table early, and CAA Sports has long demonstrated the expertise and creativity needed to help shape major sports and entertainment projects,” said Mavericks President Ethan Casson. “Their strategic approach, commercial acumen and deep industry relationships make them the ideal fit as we chart the next era for the Mavericks.”
The project’s timeline, venue site selection and design will be shared as plans evolve, the Mavericks said. Welts told the DMN the franchise hopes to announce which venue it has chosen as its future home by July.