The Dallas Mavericks’ efforts to secure a new arena and entertainment district are facing complications as the team navigates city-controlled real estate and growing competition for potential sites, according to a Mar. 19 report.
The situation is important because the outcome will affect not only the future home of the Mavericks but also broader redevelopment plans in downtown Dallas. The team’s timeline is becoming more urgent as other projects compete for similar locations.
Team CEO Rick Welts said on the Intersections Podcast that the franchise is “on the clock” as it looks for a new home. He highlighted that progress on a possible downtown arena depends heavily on what happens with Dallas City Hall, which may be relocated from its current site at 1500 Marilla Street. Welts called this property a “very viable option,” but noted that the team does not control it, making planning difficult as deadlines approach.
City officials recently voted to explore moving City Hall, opening up possibilities for redevelopment that could include an arena. At the same time, other properties are being considered for municipal use. The Epic, an 8-acre mixed-use development near Deep Ellum backed by Westdale, has been toured several times by city officials. Joe Beard, CEO of Westdale, said its office space and location make it a strong candidate for City Hall relocation. Pacific Elm Properties has also proposed Bryan Tower, a vacant 40-story building downtown, as another option.
Welts pointed out that building modern arenas can take years—he referenced San Francisco’s Chase Center project taking seven years—so delays now could have long-term effects. The Mavericks have narrowed their search to two main options: a downtown site tied to City Hall’s fate and another at the former Valley View Center mall in north Dallas. While Welts confirmed the team wants to stay within city limits, he did not guarantee they would remain downtown.
This uncertainty reflects larger issues facing Dallas leaders: limited land supply and competing priorities may ultimately force decisions that shape both civic and sports landscapes in coming years.
