Mavericks Signal Truce in American Airlines Center Fight

The Dallas Mavericks are backing off part of their legal dispute with the Dallas Stars, a move that could ease tensions in a high-stakes fight over control of the American Airlines Center.

Attorneys for the Mavericks’ ownership group filed notice last week in Texas Business Court that the NBA franchise will drop its damage claims against the NHL team, signaling a possible off-ramp in the months-long dispute. The Dallas Business Journal reported that the decision came shortly after a judge sided with the Mavericks on most of their pending motions in an April 2 ruling, reshaping the legal landscape ahead of a scheduled May jury trial.

The Mavericks framed the move in a statement as a “good faith” step aimed at moving beyond the conflict and refocusing on long-term investment in Dallas sports infrastructure. The case, filed in October, centers on a 1998 agreement tied to the development of the American Airlines Center, which requires both teams to maintain headquarters within Dallas city limits, according to the publication.

Mavericks ownership — operating as Dallas Sports Group — alleged the Stars violated that provision by basing operations in suburban Frisco. The Stars fired back with a countersuit, arguing Mavericks ownership is itself tied to Las Vegas and has long been aware of the team’s headquarters arrangement.

The NHL franchise has since opened a Dallas office, though it maintains broader objections to the claims and also signaled it is prepared to take the case to trial, according to the outlet.

At stake is more than a contractual technicality, as the Mavericks accused the Stars of blocking millions of dollars in arena upgrades, while the Stars characterized the lawsuit as a “power grab” to seize control of the venue on the cheap. Even with damage claims dropped, unresolved issues remain, according to recent filings.

The legal maneuvering comes as both franchises weigh their long-term real estate strategies. As previously reported in The Real Deal, the Mavericks have made clear they plan to leave the American Airlines Center when their lease expires in 2031, exploring sites including downtown Dallas and North Dallas. The Stars could remain but are also evaluating a potential new arena tied to redevelopment plans in Plano.

— Eric Weilbacher