Dallas Stars Relocation Spurs Suburban Growth

Dallas Stars’ relocation could spur retail and mixed-use growth in Plano and Frisco, shifting suburban development in Dallas-Fort Worth.

January 21, 2026

Nina Dale

Dallas Stars are exploring relocation sites in Plano and Frisco as their arena lease nears expiration in 2031.
If the Stars move to the Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, it could anchor a $1B arena and significant mixed-use redevelopment.
Plano could redirect $100M+ in annual sales tax if it exits the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, providing economic incentives.
Frisco and Plano both see major retail, office, and residential projects in the pipeline, accelerating suburban growth.

Key Takeaways

Suburban Arena Opportunities

According to Bisnow, the Dallas Stars are considering the northern suburbs for a new arena, with significant focus on Plano or Frisco as leases for their current home, American Airlines Center, expire in 2031. The team reportedly prefers the site of the former Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, envisioning a $1B arena project that could help revitalize the area and bolster the city’s existing retail base.

Financial Implications for Plano

Building a new arena at Willow Bend could require the Stars’ ownership to invest $400M–$500M in redevelopment. Alternatively, the team could buy and retrofit the American Airlines Center for $100M–$200M. Plano’s business-friendly stance and potential to repurpose sales tax funds—currently more than $100M annually to Dallas Area Rapid Transit—could make recruitment efforts highly appealing. The city’s voters will weigh a potential DART exit, which could further strengthen Plano’s position in negotiations.

Frisco’s Growth Trajectory

Frisco, not part of DART, has channeled saved tax revenue into major development initiatives. The city’s 2,500-acre Fields master-planned project and high-profile mixed-use developments like The Mix and Firefly Park are reshaping the suburb. The upcoming Universal Kids Resort adds further momentum. As Plano and Frisco see rapid population and job growth, both suburbs are poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities associated with sports and entertainment-driven redevelopment. This growth aligns with ongoing momentum in Collin County, where strong economic indicators continue to drive new investment and development.

What’s Next

Some investors question whether a new arena would truly reshape Plano’s economic landscape. Still, both Plano and Frisco are well positioned to capitalize on any resulting development. Ongoing population and job growth, along with a strong pipeline of retail, office, and residential projects, will likely keep both suburbs central to Dallas-Fort Worth’s future expansion.