It’s War in Dallas: Mavericks and Stars Sue Each Other Over American Airlines Center

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) - Two Dallas powerhouses are now battling each other off the ice and court. The Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars have filed lawsuits against each other, each claiming control over the future of the American Airlines Center, the arena they’ve shared for nearly 25 years.

TIMELINE

• The Mavericks fired first, accusing the Stars of breaking a key lease agreement by moving their main offices to Frisco back in 2003.

• That move, the team says, violated a clause requiring both franchises to keep their headquarters inside the City of Dallas while the arena lease is active.

• The Mavs also allege the Stars blocked a $300 million renovation project that would modernize the arena.

• The Stars responded with a countersuit, claiming the Mavericks are attempting a “hostile takeover” that could strip them of equal arena rights.

• Team officials say they’re simply defending their long-standing position as co-operators of the AAC, calling the Mavs’ lawsuit “an attempt to push the Stars out of Dallas.”

City officials say both teams’ leases run through 2031, but this legal standoff could shape where Dallas’ biggest sports franchises play next.

For now, both teams will keep competing at the AAC, but the real game might be happening in the courtroom.