As discussions continue surrounding the Dallas Mavericks’ plans for a new arena in North Dallas, Dallas City Councilman Maxie Johnson says the conversation is about more than basketball. It’s about equity, community investment, and the future of Southern Dallas.
In a recent one-on-one, Johnson expressed concern that the proposed move could worsen longstanding economic and racial divides within the city.
“Moving Dallas north continues the historical racial divide that we have experienced,” Johnson said. “For one of my colleagues to say on social media, ‘Welcome to Fort North Dallas,’ it’s a slap in Southern Dallas’ face.”
The Mavericks recently announced plans to pursue a new arena and entertainment district at the former Valley View Mall site in North Dallas. While city leaders continue discussions about the team’s future, Johnson believes Southern Dallas residents should not be overlooked in the process. “It promotes racial divide,” Johnson said. “It says to the Mavericks, ‘Come on up here. Don’t worry about them.’ And that’s a problem for me. That’s a problem for Southern Dallas.”
Johnson emphasized the longstanding relationship between Southern Dallas and the Mavericks organization, noting that residents have consistently supported the team over the years.
“When we needed the Mavericks, they were here for us. When the Mavericks needed us, we were here for them,” he said. “We helped get that vote across. Southern Dallas always shows up.”
As uncertainty remains about the team’s future, Johnson said community leaders are continuing to advocate for the Mavericks to remain connected to Dallas. “We’re saying, don’t abandon us,” he said. “We know it’s been ugly, but the people who have made it ugly are not Southern Dallas.”
Johnson also pointed to support from fellow council members and Southern Dallas leaders who have publicly expressed their desire to keep the Mavericks in the city. “We’re saying we want you here,” Johnson said.
When asked what concrete steps city leaders are taking to keep the Mavericks in Dallas, Johnson acknowledged that the City Council still needs to make decisions about downtown development and the team’s long-term home. “The council has to make a decision,” Johnson said. “We have to take care of business. I understand where they’re at. They’re saying they don’t know where they’re going to be in downtown.”
For now, Johnson said city leaders are continuing conversations with the organization while urging the team to remain committed to Dallas. “Don’t leave us,” he said. “We love you. We want you here.”
As negotiations and planning discussions continue, residents and city leaders alike are watching closely to see what decisions will be made and what they could mean for the future economic landscape of Dallas.
(Kamira LaNaye is a 2026 Journalism and Communications graduate of Morgan State University. She will spend the next year as a Texas Metro News Fellow. For more information, visit <garlandjournal.com/80638/news/councilman-johnson-calls-for-action-to-keep-mavericks-in-dallas/>.)
