Plano Makes Formal Pitch to Lure Dallas Stars

Dallas council member says Plano has submitted a letter of intent as arena talks intensify

Feb. 26, 2026 at 9:52pm

The Dallas Stars are at the center of an escalating tug-of-war over their future home, with Plano formally pitching the NHL franchise on relocating to Collin County even as the team continues negotiating with Dallas on a plan to stay at American Airlines Center beyond 2031.

Why it matters

The Stars' arena search is unfolding at the same time the Dallas Mavericks pursue plans for a new home, signaling the two longtime co-tenants may eventually separate. This regional competition for high-profile sports franchises highlights Plano's growing economic development efforts and the shifting landscape for major employers and venues in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

The details

Dallas City Council Member Chad West revealed that Plano has delivered a letter of intent outlining its offer to the Stars, even as the team continues negotiating with Dallas on a plan to stay at American Airlines Center beyond the 2031 lease expiration. Plano officials would not confirm the letter, but said the city routinely attracts interest from major companies. Dallas remains in active talks with the Stars about converting American Airlines Center into a hockey-specific venue, but the team has not signed any document with Plano.

  • The Stars' lease at American Airlines Center runs through 2031.
  • Plano is preparing to become the future home of AT&T's global headquarters.

The players

Chad West

A Dallas City Council Member who revealed Plano's pitch to the Dallas Stars.

Dallas Stars

The NHL franchise that is the subject of the relocation negotiations between Dallas and Plano.

City of Plano

The city that has formally pitched the Dallas Stars on relocating to Collin County.

Dallas Mavericks

The NBA team that is also pursuing plans for a new home, signaling the two longtime co-tenants at American Airlines Center may eventually separate.

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What’s next

Dallas remains in active talks with the Dallas Stars about keeping the team at American Airlines Center, including discussions about converting the building into a hockey-specific venue. The Stars have not committed to any outside proposal from Plano.

The takeaway

The tug-of-war over the Dallas Stars' future home highlights the intensifying regional competition for high-profile sports franchises and major employers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Plano's pitch to the Stars underscores the city's growing economic development efforts, while Dallas works to retain the team at its longtime arena.