A growing debate has erupted in Dallas after the city’s two major sports franchises announced plans that could move them away from Victory Park, raising questions about the long-term health of the downtown area.

The Dallas Mavericks confirmed this week that they have executed option agreements to acquire land at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas for a future arena and entertainment district. The following day, the Dallas Stars revealed a separate nonbinding agreement to explore building a new arena at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano.

The moves could eventually leave Victory Park without its two anchor teams when current leases at the American Airlines Center expire in 2031.

Public Backlash at City Council Meeting

At a recent Dallas City Council meeting, residents voiced frustration and concern over the announcements, with some directly blaming city leadership for the potential departures.

Sana Syed, president of the Farmers Market Stakeholders Association and a downtown resident, called the developments “painful and embarrassing,” arguing that the city is losing key institutions that once supported its urban core. Syed criticized what she described as long-term neglect, saying downtown decline is rarely caused by a single event but instead results from repeated setbacks and lack of consistent vision.

She cited the departure of major employers and institutions, including AT&T, Neiman Marcus, and Fox 4, as evidence of broader weakening in downtown Dallas.

Supporters Say Downtown Is Still Growing

Not all voices at the meeting agreed with the pessimistic outlook.

Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price argued that downtown Dallas continues to expand and attract residents, noting that approximately 15,000 people now live in the area.

Price said current leadership has made meaningful progress and emphasized ongoing efforts under initiatives such as the “Say Yes to Downtown” campaign, which aims to strengthen investment and development in the city center.

Concerns Over Economic Impact and Urban Development

Several residents warned that losing both sports franchises could weaken downtown’s role as an economic and cultural hub.

Downtown homeowner Arianna Smith said she and her husband invested in the area expecting continued growth, but instead have witnessed closures and departures of major institutions. Others, including downtown resident Ifani Umejei, argued that a new arena could have delivered jobs, infrastructure investment, and stronger connections between downtown and southern Dallas.

Religious leader Muhammad Abdullah urged city officials to focus on restoring trust, emphasizing the need for unity rather than political division.

Political Tensions Emerge Among Council Members

The debate intensified beyond public comments, spilling into political disagreements among council members during a later briefing on World Cup preparations.

Council members Jaime Resendez and Adam Bazaldua exchanged opposing views on social media regarding whether a downtown arena would have benefited southern Dallas communities. Resendez, representing Pleasant Grove, said disappointment among southern Dallas leaders was justified and suggested that the proposed arena project would have delivered more long-term benefits than existing tax increment financing initiatives.

Bazaldua, who represents South Dallas, pushed back, questioning whether major downtown investments have historically translated into measurable benefits for southern neighborhoods. He referenced projects such as the convention center and AT&T District while challenging claims of widespread regional impact. The exchange escalated briefly before both council members acknowledged their disagreement, ultimately framing it as a difference in perspective rather than personal conflict.

City Officials Respond as Negotiations Continue

City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert and Mayor Eric Johnson did not respond during the public comment portion of the council meeting, consistent with standard procedure.

However, both have previously stated that Dallas remains in active discussions aimed at retaining the Stars, even as the franchise explores options in Plano.

Regarding the Mavericks’ planned move, city officials emphasized that the team still considers Dallas its home despite pursuing development at the Valley View site in North Dallas rather than downtown.

A City at a Crossroads

With two of its most prominent sports franchises exploring moves outside the urban core, Dallas now faces renewed scrutiny over its downtown development strategy, economic priorities, and long-term vision for the city center.

As negotiations continue, residents and officials remain divided over whether downtown is in decline—or simply undergoing another phase of transformation.