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Sands CEO Patrick Dumont Confirms: Mavericks Arena Plans Exclude Casino

By jili tutorial · October 10, 2026

Sands CEO Patrick Dumont Confirms: Mavericks Arena Plans Exclude Casino

Introduction

In a recent interview with The Athletic, Patrick Dumont, CEO of Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) and governor of the Dallas Mavericks, clarified that the team’s plans for a new arena do not include a casino hotel. This announcement comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of the Mavericks and Sands’ broader ambitions in Texas. Dumont cited space limitations and legislative hurdles as key reasons for excluding a casino from the arena project.

The Proposed Mavericks Arena Project

Site and Development Plans

The Dallas Mavericks are planning to construct a new NBA arena on the former site of the Valley View Mall in North Dallas. The mall was demolished in 2023, and entities connected to the Mavericks currently own over 100 acres of land in the area. Dumont aims to have the new arena operational for the 2031-32 NBA season, though construction has yet to begin.

Economic Impact and Additional Facilities

Even without a casino, the arena is expected to boost economic activity in the Valley View area. Plans include the development of at least one high-end hotel and a smaller entertainment venue alongside the NBA stadium, creating a vibrant hub for sports and leisure.

Why a Casino Isn’t Part of the Arena Plans

Space Constraints

Dumont emphasized that space limitations make it unfeasible to build both a new NBA arena and an integrated resort at the Valley View site. “To build what we want to build, there is not enough space. They won’t fit,” he told The Athletic.

Legislative Challenges

Texas is known for its restrictive gaming laws, and Sands has been actively lobbying to change this. However, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R-TX) remains staunchly opposed to gaming expansion. As the leader of the State Senate, Patrick’s stance significantly complicates Sands’ efforts to bring a casino to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

Separate Timelines for Arena and Casino

Dumont acknowledged that the arena and casino projects are on “different timelines.” While he initially envisioned combining the two, he now sees them as separate endeavors. “It was my dream to do both next to each other. … We are going to have to think about the two separately, which is OK,” he said.

Sands’ Broader Strategy in Texas

Political Efforts and Investments

Las Vegas Sands and Dr. Miriam Adelson, the company’s largest individual shareholder and Dumont’s mother-in-law, have invested millions into Texas politics to advocate for gaming law reform. Despite these efforts, progress has been slow due to legislative resistance.

Future Prospects for a Casino in Texas

While Sands remains committed to bringing a casino to Texas, Dumont’s comments suggest that this goal is a longer-term project, unlikely to align with the timeline for the Mavericks’ new arena.

The Mavericks’ Commitment to Dallas

Dispelling Relocation Rumors

After the Adelson/Dumont consortium acquired the Mavericks in November 2023, rumors swirled about a potential relocation of the franchise. Speculation intensified following the trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Las Vegas’s ongoing pursuit of an NBA team. Dumont firmly dismissed these rumors, stating that the Mavericks are staying in Dallas.

A New Home for the Team

Dumont reiterated the consortium’s commitment to keeping the Mavericks in Dallas. “The goal is to keep the team in Dallas,” he said. “We just need a new home.”

Conclusion

Patrick Dumont’s recent statements provide clarity on the Dallas Mavericks’ arena plans and Las Vegas Sands’ broader strategy in Texas. While the new NBA arena will not include a casino, it remains a significant project poised to stimulate economic growth in North Dallas. Meanwhile, Sands’ efforts to bring a casino to Texas continue, albeit on a separate and longer-term timeline.