DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks have filed a lawsuit against the Dallas Stars, escalating a dispute over ownership and control of the American Airlines Center, the shared home of both teams since 2001.
The lawsuit, filed in Texas business court on Tuesday, alleges that the Stars breached their agreement with the Mavericks when they moved their headquarters to Frisco in 2003.
The Mavericks claim that under the terms of their contract, the Stars’ relocation gave the Mavericks the right to buy out the Stars’ ownership stake in the arena companies — which they say they did last October.
According to the Mavericks, the Stars have refused to recognize the change in control, despite the Mavericks asserting full ownership of the companies managing the arena and its revenues from games, concerts, and events. The lawsuit also cites the Stars’ alleged withdrawal from contributing to necessary renovations at the facility as a factor that prompted legal action.
Attorney and sports agent Walter Musgrove, who is not involved in the case, said the dispute could significantly impact both organizations.
“The Mavericks believe they were entitled to acquire those shares for a relatively small amount of money,” Musgrove noted, adding that the case raises questions about arena management and financial responsibilities.
The City of Dallas has taken the Mavericks’ side, formally declaring the Stars in breach of their franchise agreement for moving operations out of the city.
The city emphasized its interest in keeping both teams headquartered in Dallas, citing the economic benefits their presence brings.
The Dallas Stars have not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. Both teams’ leases to play at the American Airlines Center are set to expire in 2031, and each has indicated plans to explore new home venues in the future.