There was speculation Wednesday about where the Dallas Mavericks National Basketball Association team might be headed after owner Mark Cuban confirmed Tuesday that he was selling a majority stake in the team.
Cuban and the new owners said they have no plans to move the team from Dallas.
But Cuban told NBC5’s Newy Scruggs that the sale helps further his plan to move the team from American Airlines Center to a new arena.
And Cuban has been promoting the idea of a new stadium connected to a casino for years.
The Mavs buyer is Miriam Adelson and her Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which has so far unsuccessfully lobbied Texas to authorize casino gambling.
If there is a new arena, Dallas City Council member Zarin Gracey said the site should be next to the planned new Dallas Convention Center.
“The development of the convention center alone is one thing. Add to that a possible move of the Mavericks downtown in this area as well as a casino, this could well be a destination for a lot of people from the country who want to have a good time in one area,” Gracey said.
Zarin Gracey is chairwoman of the City Council’s Professional Sports Retention and Recruitment Committee, founded by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
“I think that together we can find a smart way to make a deal like this happen in a way that benefits the entire city of Dallas,” Gracey said.
Voters in November 2022 approved the new Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center near I-30 and the financing method to fund it with hotel and visitor taxes.
In September of this year, the Dallas City Council approved a contract with prominent developer Jack Matthews’ firm to complete the design and construction of the new convention center.
Initial renderings show a realigned structure that could free up plenty of available land for new development where the old convention center building previously stood.
“Adding a potential casino and basketball arena is just an outstanding opportunity,” Gracey said. “It will change the landscape of downtown Dallas.”
Dallas officials have also said they want to see new downtown housing in the convention center area. New deck parks over I-30 connecting to the Cedars neighborhood are also part of the convention center plan.
What might be good for this part of Dallas might not be so good for the neighborhood around the American Airlines Center if Mavericks games are no longer played there.
When there’s nothing going on at the AAC, business at the Mesero Restaurant down the street is very slow.
“Right now it’s like lunchtime and it’s really slow. But when we have a game, it’s really crowded, like a lot of people,” said Mesero host Monica Sanchez.
Other properties could be in play for the Mavericks.
Cuban also owns the Mavs’ practice facility across the Stemmons Freeway from the AAC, but that location is likely too small for a new arena and casino.
The former Reunion Arena site has been mentioned in the past as a potential casino site if the Texas Legislature approves casinos. It is also close to the congress center and has direct rail connections.
“It would be an interesting circle, if you will, to see the Mavs come back right there,” Gracey said.
If the Mavs leave, Dallas Stars hockey games and concerts could still be held at the AAC.
“Yes, but that wouldn’t be enough,” Sanchez said. “We have a lot of employees and it would have a really bad impact on our families.”
Cuban will receive a $3.5 billion windfall from the sale of the team he bought in 2000 for $285 million.
Maverick’s lease at American Airlines Center expires in 2031.
Dallas Stars executives have stated in the past that they intend to remain in the AAC.