Legal Battle Between Dallas Stars and Mavericks Postponed Due to Weather
Introduction to the Case
Monday’s summary judgment hearing in the legal battle between the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks has been postponed due to the weather.
The hearing, which was set to be held in a mock-trial courtroom at SMU’s Dedman School of Law, was postponed after SMU canceled Monday classes on Saturday night due to the ongoing winter storm impacting North Texas.
It is not yet clear when the hearing will be rescheduled.
Background of the Case
The parties, which are suing each other over control of American Airlines Center, met with Texas Business Court judge Bill Whitehill virtually Thursday to plan the hearing where they were set to discuss seven motions for summary judgment — asking the court to rule on parts of the case before it goes to full trial.
The jury trial is still scheduled for May 11.
On Oct. 28, Mavericks ownership filed in Texas Business Court a 253-page petition for injunctive relief against Stars ownership, seeking legal finality on a breach of contract dispute the Mavericks raised in October 2024.
Claims and Counterclaims
The Mavericks allege the Stars are in breach of a clause in their 1998 franchise agreement with the City of Dallas that requires their corporate headquarters to be located within city limits. The Stars, however, have had their headquarters and practice facility in Frisco since 2003.
Hours after the Mavericks’ filing, the Stars filed a counterclaim, alleging the Mavericks had no right to claim a breach of agreement — only the city could — and that the Mavericks cannot claim the Stars’ interest in Center Operating Co. (the joint venture between the Stars and Mavs that operates AAC) until a court of competent jurisdiction finds that the Stars breached certain obligations owed to the city.
The Stars later amended their counterclaim to also accuse the Mavericks of violating their franchise agreement with the city when they changed their principal location to Las Vegas in 2024 during Mark Cuban’s sale of the team to Miriam Adelson and the Dumont family.
Stay Updated on the Latest News
Additional Resources
Twitter/X: @Lassimak
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Find more Mavericks coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Conclusion
The legal battle between the Dallas Stars and Mavericks is ongoing, with both teams suing each other over control of American Airlines Center. The recent postponement of the summary judgment hearing due to weather has delayed the proceedings, but the jury trial is still scheduled for May 11. As the case continues to unfold, fans and followers can stay updated on the latest news and developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the legal battle between the Dallas Stars and Mavericks about?
A: The legal battle is over control of American Airlines Center, with the Mavericks alleging that the Stars are in breach of a clause in their 1998 franchise agreement with the City of Dallas.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The summary judgment hearing has been postponed due to weather, but the jury trial is still scheduled for May 11.
Q: How can I stay updated on the latest news and developments?
A: You can stay updated by signing up for the latest D-FW sports news, analysis, and opinion, and by following the teams and relevant parties on social media.
