The Dallas City Council on Wednesday approved a 15-year, $19 million usage agreement for the WNBA's Dallas Wings to play at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Memorial Auditorium.
The historic auditorium will be upgraded as part of a major redevelopment and expansion of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center and surrounding area.
The Wings' move from Arlington to downtown Dallas was facilitated by Mayor Eric L. Johnson's advocacy for bringing professional sports teams to the city. The mayor established a special committee on professional sports recruitment and retention in 2022, and began meeting with Wings officials in the same year.
“Dallas is the place to be right now, for our residents, our businesses, our professional sports teams and their fans,” Mayor Johnson said. “This deal was a top priority for us as we know the Dallas Wings will thrive in the city they represent. We are thrilled to welcome the Wings to the heart of the city.” And we're even more excited for this franchise to take root in the new convention center district that will transform downtown Dallas for decades to come. This is the perfect time to deliver our venue and give our fans a best-in-class arena to call home.”
“This proposed agreement comes at a time when interest in women's sports, the WNBA and the Wings is at record levels,” said Greg Bibb, president and CEO of the Dallas Wings. , bringing a valuable community asset to a historic urban venue.” “The Wings will have record attendance in 2023 and virtually every business metric record has been or will soon be broken during the 2024 season. As we experienced, season ticket memberships were sold out.”
The 15-year Memorial Auditorium occupancy agreement, with the possibility of an optional 15-year extension, will take effect after the 2025 season, pending WNBA approval.
“The Dallas Wings offer a valuable and diverse pool of players, staff and fans that reflect our vibrant city,” said 3rd District Councilman and Pro Sports Talent Recruitment Officer. said Zarin Gracie, Special Committee Chair on Sustainment.
“Dallas has plenty of capacity for a league like the WNBA, a team like the Wings, and a new convention center district to grow together,” Sports Commissioner Monica Paul said. “City are a dream teammate to lead this valuable partnership and we look forward to further victories.”
Although Memorial Auditorium is currently connected to the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, it was originally a separate building. Designed by noted Dallas architect George Dahl, this auditorium has hosted legendary music artists such as the Beatles, the Jackson 5, Elvis Presley, the Rolling Stones, and Red He Zeppelin. It was also once home to the Dallas Chaparrals, an American Basketball Association team that later became the San Antonio Spurs franchise.
Council members also approved $19 million in incentives over three years, which will generate more than $1.5 million annually from parking, facility rentals, food and beverage (focus rights and concessions), ticket fees and in-arena advertising. This will be offset by anticipated income.
The City of Dallas and the Dallas Wings will officially release further information following WNBA League approval and finalization of the agreement.
