Home / Dallas News / City of Dallas approves multi-million dollar deal to lure Dallas Wings from Arlington

City of Dallas approves multi-million dollar deal to lure Dallas Wings from Arlington

The Dallas Wings are no longer simply bearing the city’s name; they are set to become an integral part of Dallas itself following a significant decision by the city council on Wednesday.

In a landmark move, the council voted to approve a substantial multimillion-dollar deal to relocate the team from Arlington to Dallas. This 15-year agreement, totaling $19 million, solidifies the Dallas Memorial Auditorium as the new home for the team starting in 2026, a shift away from their current venue, the College Park Center on the University of Texas at Arlington campus.

During Wednesday’s council meeting, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson expressed enthusiasm, stating, “For the last two years, we’ve been working with the Dallas Wings. It’s now on the record that it’s the Dallas Wings, our incredible WNBA team, and I have to say, our incredible partner.”

Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb emphasized the significance of moving a professional sports team from Arlington to Dallas, citing the need to cater to growing demand and provide adequate facilities for players. He noted that the move reflects a strategic decision made in response to the team’s expansion and the burgeoning popularity of women’s basketball nationwide.

City leaders welcomed the announcement as a victory in their ongoing efforts to attract professional sports teams back to Dallas. Council member Tennell Atkins highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that taxpayer money would now be invested in a business within the city limits.

Meanwhile, the University of Texas at Arlington responded to the news, expressing gratitude for the partnership with the Wings since 2016 and affirming their commitment to providing an exceptional experience for fans and the team for the upcoming seasons.

Looking ahead, Bibb outlined the Wings’ plans to transition to their new Dallas home in the spring of 2026, aligning with the start of training camp. The city of Dallas intends to renovate the nearly 10,000-seat auditorium as part of a broader redevelopment initiative, with the incentives to be distributed over three years.

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