Irving Talks Zoning Changes for Las Vegas Sands-owned Land

A proposed zoning amendment in Irving could lead to a new home for the Dallas Mavericks and lay the groundwork for a casino in case Texas ever legalizes gambling.

City officials discussed potential zoning changes during a Feb. 27 work session for a 182-acre tract at the site of the former Texas Stadium, the Dallas Business Journal reported. Proposed amendments would allow for mixed-use development. 

The property in question is owned by Las Vegas Sands, the casino and resort company that bought Mark Cuban’s majority stake in the Mavericks at the end of 2023. An entity affiliated with Las Vegas Sands bought eight properties at State Highway 114 and Loop 12 in 2023. The property spans 259 acres. 

City documents don’t mention the basketball team, but there’s been speculation about the site — and whether or not a new Mavericks arena could include a casino — since Las Vegas Sands bought the team, The talk has continued to bubble up around DFW despite the fact that Cuban and Las Vegas Sands owner Miriam Adelson have promised to keep the team in Dallas. 

The Mavs’ fanbase was already talking about a future move before the sale, since the team’s current lease at American Airlines Center in Dallas expires in 2031. 

While updated zoning would allow a casino to be built on the site, changes to state law would be required beforehand. Despite Las Vegas Sands best efforts, the Texas Constitution currently prohibits most forms of gambling.

The company dumped millions into lobbying to legalize gambling in the Texas 2023 legislative session and is renewing its effort this year. Gov. Greg Abbott has said he wouldn’t have a problem with legalizing sports betting. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, however, has been staunch in his opposition. 

Irving is interested in creating a planned unit development at the site, which would give the landowner flexibility in development. If the project moves forward, the city would require at least 4 million gross square feet, excluding parking and 1,750 hotel rooms. 

— Andrew Terrell

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