Plano Bids to Lure Dallas Stars from Dallas

Plano City Council makes formal offer to host NHL team, intensifying regional competition over franchise's future location.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 10:20pm

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The Dallas Stars hockey team is at the center of a growing contest between the City of Dallas and the neighboring city of Plano over the team's future home. Plano has officially presented an offer to the NHL team to relocate to Collin County when the Stars' current lease at the American Airlines Center in Dallas expires in 2031. This development emerges amid ongoing negotiations between the Stars and the City of Dallas to extend their stay at the arena.

Why it matters

The competition to host the Dallas Stars reflects the increasing regional rivalry for major sports franchises and the economic development opportunities they bring. A move to Plano could strengthen the city's position as a corporate and entertainment hub, while Dallas aims to retain an iconic team closely tied to the city's identity. The outcome will impact the surrounding economies and community pride in both cities.

The details

Plano City Council Member Chad West disclosed that Plano has formally presented an offer to the Dallas Stars to relocate the NHL team to Collin County. This comes as the Stars and the City of Dallas continue negotiations to extend the team's lease at the American Airlines Center beyond its 2031 expiration. While Plano has not confirmed the letter of intent, city officials emphasized their frequent efforts to attract major businesses. The Stars have declined to comment on the matter.

  • The Dallas Stars' current lease at the American Airlines Center in Dallas expires in 2031.
  • Plano City Council Member Chad West disclosed the city's formal offer to the Stars in February 2026.

The players

Plano City Council

The governing body of the city of Plano, Texas, which has made a formal offer to host the Dallas Stars hockey team.

Chad West

A Plano City Council Member who disclosed the city's offer to the Dallas Stars.

Dallas Stars

The NHL hockey team that is the subject of the competition between Dallas and Plano to host the franchise.

City of Dallas

The city where the Dallas Stars currently play at the American Airlines Center, and which is negotiating to extend the team's lease beyond 2031.

Joe Calvillo

A spokesperson for the Dallas Stars who declined to comment on the matter.

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What they’re saying

“The Stars are the popular kid getting asked to the dance right now. Everybody in the region knows their contract is expiring in 2031, and they are interested in bringing the Stars to their city. Why wouldn't they be? They're a fantastic team. Stanley Cup champions. So bring it on. Healthy competition is a good thing.”

— Chad West, Plano City Council Member (CBS News Texas)

“We're going to decline to comment on this matter.”

— Joe Calvillo, Dallas Stars Spokesperson (N/A)

What’s next

The Dallas Stars have not yet signed Plano's letter of intent or publicly responded to the city's offer. The team's negotiations with the City of Dallas to extend their lease at the American Airlines Center beyond 2031 are ongoing.

The takeaway

The competition to host the Dallas Stars reflects the increasing regional rivalry for major sports franchises and the economic development opportunities they bring. The outcome of these negotiations will impact the surrounding economies and community pride in both Dallas and Plano.