Dallas Stars inked a LOI for a new arena in Plano, targeting the Shops of Willow Bend as part of a mixed‑use redevelopment. The move would shift the franchise 18 miles north of downtown Dallas, away from the American Airlines Center where it has played since 2001. Owner Tom Gaglardi said the project offers a one‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity for Dallas fans.

The LOI will appear before Plano City Council next Monday, with city officials citing the venue’s potential to spur local economic growth. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have also secured a preliminary agreement for a downtown Dallas site slated for 2031, sparking a legal dispute over future arena locations for both teams in the region and fans will watch closely as the debate unfolds.

If approved, the new Plano arena would join Arlington‑based Cowboys, Wings, Rangers and Frisco‑based FC Dallas, creating a suburban sports corridor. For the Stars, moving north could mean higher attendance and a modern facility tailored to NHL standards. Plano’s Mayor John Muns welcomed the partnership, noting the city’s readiness for world‑class investment and fans will benefit from the upgrade as the project progresses.