STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | June 3, 2026 — The Dallas Stars have taken a significant step toward a possible new home in North Texas, announcing that the organization has signed a non-binding Letter of Intent for a potential arena in Plano as part of a proposed sports and entertainment district at The Shops at Willow Bend.

The Letter of Intent has been submitted to the City of Plano and is expected to be considered during the Plano City Council meeting on Monday, June 8. While the agreement is non-binding and does not finalize the project, it marks an important development in the Stars’ long-term vision for their franchise, fan base and footprint across the region.

The proposed project would be located west of the Dallas North Tollway and developed as part of a larger mixed-use district. The plan is being advanced jointly with Levin Holdings & Cawley Partners and Centennial, with the vision of creating a year-round destination centered around sports, entertainment, retail, dining and public gathering spaces.

Future Vision for the Dallas Stars Arena

At the heart of the proposal is a future Dallas Stars arena, which would serve as the anchor for the broader development.

For the Stars, the opportunity represents more than a possible move into a new facility. It is a chance to build a modern entertainment district around one of North Texas’ most established professional sports brands while deepening the team’s connection with fans across Dallas-Fort Worth.

“This project would present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our franchise,” Dallas Stars Owner, Governor and Chairman Tom Gaglardi said. “We eagerly await the vote by the Plano City Council and look forward to continuing the conversation to be part of the redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend.”

The proposed site would place the Stars in one of the region’s most active suburban corridors. Plano has long been a major business and residential hub, and a sports-centered development at Willow Bend could create a new entertainment destination for fans, families and visitors.

The project would also give the Stars an opportunity to shape an arena environment beyond game nights. Modern sports venues are increasingly being designed as anchors for larger districts, where restaurants, retail, gathering spaces and entertainment options create activity throughout the year. If approved and completed, the Willow Bend development could follow that model.

The Letter of Intent includes plans for the mixed-use development, as well as the design and construction of the potential arena. Details such as cost, timeline, capacity and final design remain subject to future discussions and approvals.

Plano Mayor John Muns welcomed the Stars’ interest and highlighted the city’s reputation for attracting major partners.

“Plano has built a reputation as a city that welcomes world-class partners and community-focused investment,” Muns said. “The Dallas Stars are an iconic North Texas organization, and we are encouraged by their interest as conversations move forward.”

The announcement comes as the Stars continue to stand as one of the most successful and influential NHL franchises in the southern United States. Since moving to North Texas in 1993, the organization has helped expand hockey’s reach across the region through on-ice success, youth programs, community investment and a passionate fan base.

Over the last 33 years, the Stars have made 21 playoff appearances, won nine division titles, captured two Presidents’ Trophies, claimed three conference championships and lifted the Stanley Cup in 1999. That history has helped make Dallas one of the NHL’s most important non-traditional hockey markets.

A new arena in Plano would represent another major chapter in that evolution.

The Stars have long been tied to North Texas’ hockey growth, from grassroots development to elite-level fan support. A future arena district could expand that influence by creating a permanent hub for hockey, entertainment and community activity in Collin County.

Still, the process remains in its early stages. The non-binding Letter of Intent is only the beginning of what could become a longer path involving city consideration, public discussion, planning, design and formal agreements.

For now, the Stars have made their intentions clear. The organization sees The Shops at Willow Bend as a potential home for the next era of Dallas Stars hockey.

If the project advances, Plano could become the center of one of the most ambitious sports development plans in North Texas — and the Stars could soon be skating toward a new future.