Plano approves framework tied to proposed Dallas Stars arena
Plano City Council approved a package on June 8, 2026, that creates a redevelopment and public-finance framework tied to a proposed Dallas Stars arena at and around The Shops at Willow Bend.
The action included a non-binding letter of intent with the Dallas Stars, an incentive agreement involving Levin Holdings and Cawley Partners, creation of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 6 and a venue-project resolution for a potential venue-tax election.
The decisions concern property within Plano city limits and could shape the future of one of the city’s major shopping centers. They also begin a process that still requires additional review, negotiations and approvals before an arena project could be considered final.
What the council approved
The letter of intent establishes a framework between Plano and the Dallas Stars, but it is not a final construction contract. The approved action therefore does not mean the city has completed an arena agreement or that the team’s final relocation or arena commitment is settled.
The council also approved an incentive agreement involving Levin Holdings and Cawley Partners. The packet identifies the agreement as part of the broader redevelopment package connected to The Shops at Willow Bend and surrounding property.
In a separate public-finance step, the council established TIRZ No. 6. The City of Plano agenda describes the action as an ordinance establishing Reinvestment Zone Number Six under Chapter 311 of the Texas Tax Code. The zone covers The Shops at Willow Bend and surrounding development.
The council additionally approved a venue-project resolution for submission to the Texas Comptroller. That submission is required for a potential venue-tax election, according to the approved project information.
Why the action matters
Together, the approvals give Plano and the project parties a structure for continuing work on the arena proposal and related development. The package links the proposed professional-sports venue to a larger redevelopment effort rather than treating the arena as an isolated project.
For residents, the immediate consequence is that the project moves into a more formal next stage. The city has approved a development zone, an incentive agreement and the resolution needed to pursue state review connected to possible venue financing.
That does not establish the final cost of the arena, the tax rate, the size of any public contribution or the date of an election. Those details were not established in the approved material.
What happens next
The venue-project resolution must go to the Texas Comptroller as part of the process for a potential venue-tax election. Voters may later be asked to consider venue financing, but no election date has been scheduled in the approved information.
Additional agreements and council approvals are also expected before the arena proposal can become final. The non-binding letter of intent leaves the Dallas Stars’ final commitment subject to those further steps.
For now, Plano has approved a framework—not a completed arena deal. The next milestones are state review, continued negotiations over the arena and surrounding redevelopment, and any future council action or voter consideration required for venue financing.
Sources
- TIRZ No. 6 agenda item, City of Plano
- Media Availability for June 8 Council Meeting, City of Plano
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