The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, already a crucible for large-scale changes in sports media, is now set to become a focal point for national networks across every major sport.
The Mavericks stunned the basketball world Monday night by overcoming just a 1.8% chance to win the NBA draft lottery. That triumph is likely to bring the team Duke star Cooper Flagg with the first overall pick and provide a sizable reversal in its fortunes. The development is a massive turn for the franchise after the much-derided Luka Dončić trade in February ultimately led to a quick exit in the postseason play-in tournament.
The draft lottery win, however, is far from the only significant sports event happening in the Dallas area that is capturing the attention of networks. Among the other developments:
- The NFL’s Cowboys, despite winning just seven games last year, were picked to face the Eagles in the NFL’s 2025 kickoff game, showing the broad national appeal the team still holds.
- The WNBA’s Wings won that league’s draft lottery and selected UConn star Paige Bueckers last month, a move similarly poised to significantly elevate that team’s standing on and off the court.
- The NHL’s Stars, led in part by incoming star Mikko Rantanen, hold a 3–1 series lead over the Jets in the second round of the playoffs after Tuesday’s Game 4. If the Stars ultimately close out this year’s Presidents’ Trophy winners, it will be the team’s third straight trip to the conference finals, and fourth in six seasons.
- MLB’s Rangers, winners of the 2023 World Series, are trying to find their way this season, posting a 22–21 record through Tuesday. The club, however, still has a 42% chance of reaching the postseason.
There’s even more coming in 2026 as AT&T Stadium in Arlington will be the site of nine matches in the FIFA World Cup, more than any other host venue, and including a semifinal.
The rising sports spotlight on Dallas, which just elevated to the No. 4 U.S. media market, arrives as each of those pro teams besides the Cowboys has fundamentally reshaped its local media in recent months—in turn helping forge a path for other locales. A broad turn away from the traditional cable model has guided many of those teams in their retooled regional strategies, but several national networks with a big presence in cable will be increasingly headed to Dallas due to the rising star power.
“I am so happy for Mavericks fans,” said the team’s CEO, Rick Welts, a Basketball Hall of Famer. “I only got to Dallas Jan. 1 of this year. Feb. 1, we broke the internet [with the Dončić trade]. I am just amazed at the depth of the emotion and connection that the fan base has with the team. And what happened, I can’t imagine a better day for Mavs fans. It’s going to really be something special. I can’t wait to get back to Dallas.”
