Mavericks CEO Rick Welts said they “don’t have a particular location” in mind for a new arena but are “very encouraged that ultimately, we’re going to find that location within the boundaries of the city of Dallas,” according to the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Welts said the Mavs’ “commitment is to find a location and a solution that’s going to work in the city of Dallas before we would explore anywhere else in the Metroplex.” Welts’ comments come as the city of Irving in February “took a step in making a potential bid to land a new arena” for the team. Welts said the Mavs will “fulfil our lease here at American Airlines Center, which expires in 2031,” but would “like to have an arena site identified within the year.” He added that is “going to be important to be on a timeline to open for the 2031-32 season.” In December 2022, then-majority owner Mark Cuban said “the mission” for building a new arena was that it would “be in the middle of a resort and casino.” However, sports gambling remains illegal in Texas. Welts on Tuesday said the focus is on building “absolutely the best facility for the Mavericks going forward,” with that “not dependent whatsoever on casino gambling in Texas.” Welts: “We’re full speed ahead with or without any legislation that permits casino gambling in Texas” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/15).
Mavericks’ Welts says team encouraged that new arena ends up in Dallas
