The Dallas Mavericks have begun assessing potential sites for a new basketball-specific arena within city limits, though no decision is near, according to a report by Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News.
Team CEO Rick Welts clarified to Townsend that while two locations are currently being examined more closely, those should not be considered finalists. “We have been presented several sites by the city and we are doing a deeper dive on two of them currently to see how viable they are,” Welts said. “Neither may work and we may refocus on others.”
The Mavericks are seeking 30 to 50 acres for a proposed arena and entertainment complex, with Bloomberg reporting earlier this week that the team was focusing on two unspecified Dallas sites. Welts told The News that his Bloomberg comments were being overstated and emphasized the team’s process remains in the exploratory phase.
While the organization remains contractually tied to American Airlines Center through the summer of 2031, Welts has indicated that the Mavericks are aiming to lock in a future site by late 2025 or early 2026.
Real estate experts have speculated that potential locations include areas near the Dallas Convention Center redevelopment, the site of the former Valley View Center, and the current Dallas County jail. However, the team has not confirmed any particular option under serious consideration.
The arena discussions come after a season of controversy, injuries, and front-office backlash for the Mavericks. The team missed the 2025 NBA Playoffs after falling in the play-in tournament to the Memphis Grizzlies, despite coming off a Finals appearance the year prior.
Dallas faced harsh criticism for trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in February in exchange for Anthony Davis and assets. The move was compounded by a rash of injuries, including season-ending setbacks to both Davis and Kyrie Irving.
Fan anger reached a boiling point during the season, with calls for the removal of general manager Nico Harrison and increased security measures at home games.
Despite the turmoil, the Mavericks secured the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and selected Duke forward Cooper Flagg. The franchise is hoping he can serve as a foundational piece moving forward.
As for the future home of the Mavericks, Welts made it clear that the team remains committed to the city of Dallas. The coming months will likely determine whether any of the current options can evolve into a viable long-term solution.
