The Dallas Mavericks have filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the Stars, alleging the NHL team is blocking improvements to American Airlines Center and “holding the arena hostage” as the relationship between the franchises deteriorates.
The suit was filed this week in Texas Business Court by the Mavericks and Dallas Sports Group, the ownership entity led by billionaire Miriam Adelson and son-in-law Patrick Dumont. The Mavericks are seeking court affirmation of a prior seizure of the Stars’ half of a joint operating company that oversees AAC management.
The Stars quickly countersued, seeking to “restore normal operations” at the 24-year-old arena owned by the city of Dallas.
“After repeated failed attempts to bring the ownership of the Stars to the table and address improvements and operations of the AAC, DSG must, unfortunately, rely on the courts to confirm ownership of the AAC lease and allow DSG to make the desired improvements to the venue,” Dallas Sports Group said in a statement.
The legal dispute could impact long-term venue plans for both franchises. Front Office Sports reported earlier this month that a 2031 move by the Stars to suburban Plano, Texas, ranks among the team’s leading options.
The Stars could build an expansive mixed-use development surrounding a new arena in Plano, generating additional year-round revenue. The team already operates its headquarters and practice facility in nearby Frisco, which the Mavericks claim breaches a franchise agreement.
The Mavericks have separately begun exploring their own arena without the Stars. That effort is led by Mavericks CEO and Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Welts.
“Their lawsuit seeks to marginalize the Dallas Stars to the role of a mere tenant, and ultimately, drive the team out of Dallas,” the Stars’ legal counsel said.
The dispute bears similarities to Philadelphia’s previous arena battle between the 76ers and Flyers ownership groups. That matter never reached litigation and the parties eventually agreed to jointly develop a new arena in south Philadelphia targeted for 2031.