Dallas Stars Still Want Plano Arena After Voters Reject Tax Plan

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

PLANO, Texas — Plano voters rejected taxes to help fund a new Dallas Stars arena, but the team isn’t backing down from its plans for The Shops at Willow Bend.

Proposition A failed Tuesday, November 3, with 54.6% voting against the measure. The unofficial results show 56,061 votes opposed and 46,658 in favor, a margin of 9,403 votes.

The proposal would have authorized five taxes to help finance the city-owned arena. Despite the defeat, the Stars say they intend to continue working with Plano on alternative financing through the Texas Legislature.

Stars Say Arena Plans Aren’t Over

In a statement released Wednesday, November 4, the Dallas Stars expressed disappointment with the results but made clear they still want the project to move forward.

“While we are disappointed that Proposition A did not pass, we are confident in the long-term vision for a city-owned arena project and the positive impact it will have on the City of Plano,” the team said.

The Stars described Proposition A as one component of a broader financing strategy. The organization said it intends to continue working with Plano as the city pursues a project finance zone that would require action by the Texas Legislature.

“We remain committed to advancing this important project that will create jobs, attract new visitors, and generate economic benefits for the Plano community for decades to come,” the team said.

The arena, estimated to cost approximately $1 billion, would anchor a larger $3 billion redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend, including entertainment, retail, dining and other uses.

Councilmember Says Voters Raised Legitimate Concerns

Plano City Councilmember Steve Lavine, Place 5, said he still sees economic potential in bringing the Dallas Stars to Plano but believes voters raised concerns that deserve attention.

“The voters have spoken, and Proposition A, which would have helped fund the proposed Dallas Stars arena at Willow Bend, has been rejected,” Lavine said in a statement.

“As your City Councilmember, I hear you.”

Although Lavine believes the arena and surrounding entertainment district could benefit Plano economically, he acknowledged concerns about the project’s impact on nearby neighborhoods and the use of taxpayer money.

“But voters raised legitimate concerns about neighborhood traffic, parking and noise; unanswered questions about the development plans; and whether taxpayers should shoulder costs that private developers could cover,” he said.

Lavine also noted that rising costs facing Plano families may have influenced the vote.

“City Council will soon review the election results and consider our options for Willow Bend’s redevelopment. Your votes and concerns will help guide those discussions,” Lavine said.

Mayor Muns Addresses Election Results

Plano Mayor John Muns said the city respects the results of Tuesday’s election while continuing to consider the future of The Shops at Willow Bend.

“We respect the decision voters made regarding the proposed venue taxes,” Muns said. “Throughout this process, we’ve heard a variety of perspectives on the project, including questions about financing, traffic and the impact on surrounding neighborhoods. We take those concerns seriously.”

Muns noted that Proposition A specifically addressed the venue taxes rather than the arena or redevelopment itself.

“The redevelopment of The Shops at Willow Bend represents a significant opportunity for Plano,” he said. “We remain focused on the long-term benefits of redevelopment and making fiscally responsible decisions that serve our community.”

The mayor did not identify a specific alternative to the rejected taxes but said City Council would continue considering options for redevelopment and economic growth.

How Will Plano Pay for It?

Plano has committed up to $700 million in bonds backed by revenue from a tax increment reinvestment zone toward the proposed $1 billion arena. The Stars would be responsible for costs exceeding the city’s $700 million contribution.

Proposition A would have provided additional revenue to help repay the debt. Its defeat removes that potential funding source, but it does not automatically eliminate the city’s existing financing plans.

The Stars have identified a project finance zone requiring legislative action as another possible funding source. However, the team has not specified whether the election results will change the arena’s timeline or its financial contribution.

Under the proposed arrangement, Plano would own the arena and lease it to the Stars for 30 years.

The team hopes to move into the new facility in 2031, when its current lease at American Airlines Center expires.

City officials must now determine whether the existing financing strategy can be adjusted to replace the rejected tax revenue and what changes, if any, will be needed before the arena can move forward.

The Stars still want to come to Plano. The question now is how much the city will ultimately pay to make that happen.

Editor’s Note (November 5, 2026): This article has been updated to include additional comments from Plano Mayor John Muns regarding the rejection of Proposition A and the city’s plans for the proposed Dallas Stars arena.