Arlington City Council has approved a major extension of its long-running partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, keeping the team tied to AT&T Stadium until at least 2055.
The deal passed 7–2 and extends the Cowboys’ stadium lease by 15 years beyond the previous 2040 end date. It also locks in a large public-private funding arrangement:
- Cowboys commitment: at least $750 million for stadium maintenance, operations, and upgrades
- City of Arlington contribution: up to $273 million, drawn from existing voter-approved venue taxes (not new taxes or the general fund)
The agreement includes planned stadium improvements to be completed by 2043, while the Cowboys continue to operate and design upgrades for the venue.
Supporters argue the team brings major economic benefits—an estimated $324 million annually to Arlington—while critics say the deal continues long-term public spending on a private franchise and goes beyond what earlier voters may have expected.
This is also the third major Arlington project funded through venue taxes tied to professional sports developments, following earlier funding for the Cowboys’ stadium district and Globe Life Field.
