• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Mavericks Take Key Step Toward Potential New Casino, Arena in Irving

A zoning change was approved in Irving that could lead to a new resort and arena by the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, whose owners purchased the Mavericks in 2023.

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Mavericks are one step closer to building a new casino and arena in Irving, Texas—though the team’s departure from Dallas is far from settled.

The Irving Zoning Commission approved a zoning change via a 5–4 vote Tuesday that turned a 1,001-acre development area near the former Texas Stadium site into a mixed-use development.

The zoning change must still be approved by the Irving City Council, which meets Thursday.

The Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which is owned by the Adelson family who purchased the Mavericks from Mark Cuban in 2023, expressed plans to build a resort on the land that would include an arena that would fit at least 15,000 people and a theater that would have at least 4,000 seats.

Casinos are still illegal in Texas, save for a handful of tribe-owned operations. Most forms of gambling, including sports betting, are also illegal, and it’s unclear whether there will be any legislative changes in the near future.

Mavs on the Move?

The arena plans in Irving present an option for the Mavericks to move out of Dallas, especially considering their lease at American Airlines Center ends in July 2031. However, Mavericks CEO Rick Welts told The Dallas Morning News last week that the team intends to stay in Dallas and wants to build its own arena.

“What we’re saying to the city is we want to exhaust every possible option in the city of Dallas before considering pivoting to another location in the Metroplex,” Welts told The DMN.

There have been conspiracy theories that the team is looking to move to Las Vegas, a favorite to be the home of the NBA’s next expansion team, following the shocking trade of superstar Luka Dončić in February

Team governor Patrick Dumont has shut down the rumors of a relocation, and Welts doubled down. Sands Corp. is based in Las Vegas but no longer operates any resorts in the city.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ted Leonsis
exclusive

Where Do the Mystics Fit in a Rapidly Evolving WNBA?

The WNBA is increasingly divided between the new and old-guard owners.

Caitlin Clark Injury Sends Fever Road Ticket Prices Plummeting

Clark has never missed a game in her WNBA career.
exclusive

ESPN’s Ashley ShahAhmadi Targeted by NBC, Prime for NBA Role

ShahAhmadi has covered high-profile college football and NBA games for ESPN.
May 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; The New York Liberty are introduced prior to the game against the Las Vegas Aces at Barclays Center.

Alibaba Billionaire, Supermodel Headline New Liberty Investors

The investment must still be approved by the WNBA’s board of governors.

Featured Today

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Mar 23, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) reacts after winning a point against Madison Keys (USA)(not pictured) on day six of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 24, 2025

Alex Eala Is Defying Her Country’s Odds to Make French Open History

The Philippines native has overcome a unique set of financial odds.
May 24, 2025

Indiana Is the Center of the Basketball Universe—Thanks to Both Pro Teams

The Fever and Pacers are thriving at the same time.
Around the Horn - October 26, 2020
May 23, 2025

‘Quirky, Nutty, Bombastic’: 10 ‘Around the Horn’ Faces on Their Top Moments

“A quirky, nutty, bombastic, mostly wrong, sometimes right, crazy sports family.”

Maple Leafs Cut Ties With President As Cup Drought Nears Six Decades

The NHL’s most valuable franchise makes a major leadership change.
Dec 19, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; New York Knicks forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) works around Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) in the third quarter at Target Center.
May 21, 2025

Knicks and Pacers Meet in Conference Finals After Successful Star Trades

The Knicks and Timberwolves made the biggest trade prior to Luka’s.
May 22, 2025

The Pacers Refused to Tank—and It’s Paying Off

Herb Simon has owned the Pacers since 1983.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

In Episode 7 of Portfolio Players, go inside the boardroom with Avenue Capital CEO and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry on Giannis’s future, women’s sports, and upstart leagues like TGL and Unrivaled. 
Jalen Brunson
May 21, 2025

Jalen Brunson’s $100 Million Discount Has Knicks Set Up for Years

The extension, which kicks in next year, gives New York precious flexibility.
Indianapolis Colts defense leap in an attempt to block an extra point kick by Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little (39) on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
May 20, 2025

NFL Teams to Fans: Don’t Sell Your Season Tickets

Excessive reselling is increasingly a problem for NFL teams.
Sophie Cunningham
May 20, 2025

Suns Call Claim of CEO Affair With Sophie Cunningham ‘Entirely False and..

The Suns called the claim “morally reprehensible.”
Jason Dantona
May 20, 2025

The Face of the Knicks-Celtics Rivalry Is a Long Island Battery Salesman

Jason Dantona achieved internet fame for his viral interview disparaging Boston.