The Dallas Mavericks announced Monday they have chosen the site of the former Valley View Mall in North Dallas for their new arena and entertainment district, moving away from downtown plans and aiming for a 2031 opening.
The team entered into option agreements for approximately 104 acres at the long-vacant mall property near LBJ Freeway and Preston Road. This decision comes after more than a year of evaluating locations while working with city officials to keep the franchise within Dallas city limits.
Mavericks leadership described the Valley View site as the strongest option to meet their timeline and create a vibrant mixed-use development. Plans call for a state-of-the-art, basketball-focused arena surrounded by restaurants, entertainment venues, public green spaces and family-friendly attractions. The project is intended to serve as an economic catalyst for the area.
The move ends speculation about redeveloping around Dallas City Hall downtown, where some leaders had hoped a new arena could help address the aging municipal building's extensive repair needs, estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Mavericks' current lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031, the year after the franchise's 50th anniversary. Team officials emphasized their commitment to staying in Dallas and delivering a modern venue for fans.
Community reactions have been mixed, with some north Dallas residents cheering easier access and others expressing disappointment over the loss of a potential downtown anchor project.
The next steps include further negotiations, design work and approvals, with the team targeting groundbreaking in the coming years to meet the 2031 target.
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