It appears for now that the Mavericks will remain in AAC at least through the '30-31 NBA seasonGETTY IMAGES
The American Airlines Center is the oldest venue in use by North Texas' four major sports teams, and Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban said he will "make the decision of whether I want to stay here" in the next 5-6 years, according to Brad Townsend of the DALLAS MORNING NEWS. Cuban said he will decide if he wants to stay, if he wants to "work with the Stars to improve it, or let the Stars have it and build somewhere else." Cuban: "I haven't decided anything yet." He also said of the 18-year-old venue, "We keep refreshing it. We've spent a lot of money to refresh it." Cuban added that the reason for the 5- or 6-year timetable is that if he "decided to build a new arena, it would take several years to plan and build before the AAC lease expires." So it would "appear that, for now, the Mavericks intend to honor the lease and remain in AAC at least through" the '30-31 NBA season. Cuban said that no renderings "have been done for a potential new arena." Townsend notes the arena "looks practically new" compared to similar-aged arenas in DC (Capital One Center), Miami (AmericanAirlines Arena), Denver (Pepsi Center) and New Orleans (Smoothie King Center). Cuban said of the AAC's video board situation, "We were the first with a high-end, high-def board. That was 10 years ago, so I guess it's time for a new one" (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 10/23).
