Dallas Mavericks Decouple Arena Project from Casino Plans Due to Space Limits at Valley View Site

Patrick Dumont, governor of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks and chief executive of Las Vegas Sands, confirmed the team’s new arena in North Dallas will advance separately from any casino resort. The former Valley View Mall site lacks sufficient space for both, and the projects operate on different timelines.

“To build what we want to build, there is not enough space. They won’t fit,” Dumont told The Athletic, according to reporting by World Casino News. “The answer is, ‘No.’ … And they are on a different timeline anyway.”

The Mavericks are pursuing a sports and entertainment district on approximately 112 acres near Preston Road and Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway. Rezoning began in September. The target is the 2031-32 NBA season, aligning with the expiration of the current lease at American Airlines Center.

Valley View Land and Development Details

Entities connected with the Mavericks control more than 100 acres around the former mall property, which was demolished in 2023. A federal filing disclosed option-purchase agreements that give the team until January 2028 to complete acquisition. Payments run at $126,900 per month through January 2027, increasing to $274,950 per month through January 2028. Arena Development Intermediate LLC would pay about $51 million for the site.

Plans reference a high-end hotel and a smaller entertainment venue around the arena. Dumont stated that keeping the franchise in Dallas remains the priority and that the new venue must “represent our city” and deliver a top-level NBA-only experience.

Casino Path Remains Tied to Texas Legislation

The Adelson and Dumont families continue to pursue casino gaming in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Dr. Miriam Adelson, who acquired a nearly 70% stake in the Mavericks in 2023, and Dumont back political efforts to legalize destination casinos. Those efforts have not yet produced a statewide vote. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick opposes broader gambling expansion and controls the Senate agenda.

Former majority owner Mark Cuban retains a 27% minority stake and had previously discussed combining an arena with a casino resort. Dumont said the ownership group plans to acquire another 20% of Cuban’s remaining stake before the end of 2027. He described Cuban as a “great family friend” and “the most passionate Mavs fan I’ve ever met.” Dumont added that pursuing the arena and casino on separate paths is acceptable.

Reporting: World Casino News

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