Dallas Pro Sports Guide 2026 — Cowboys, Mavs, Stars, Rangers & the FIFA World Cup

DFW has one of the largest concentrations of professional sports teams in North America: Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), Dallas Stars (NHL), Texas Rangers (MLB), FC Dallas (MLS), Dallas Wings (WNBA), and the new Dallas Trinity FC (NWSL). The Cowboys, Mavericks, and Stars make Dallas one of only 13 metros with NFL, NBA, and NHL franchises simultaneously. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosting 9 matches, Dallas becomes arguably the sports entertainment capital of the United States for the 39-day tournament window.

AT&T Stadium is in Arlington, Texas — between Dallas and Fort Worth, about 20 miles from downtown Dallas (30–45 min by car depending on traffic). There is no direct rail connection; DART does not reach Arlington. For Cowboys games and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ride-share is the most practical option for non-drivers. Stadium parking is $40–$75 for major events. The stadium holds 80,000 in standard configuration, expandable to 80,000+ for the World Cup. It is the 4th largest stadium by capacity in the NFL.

The Mavericks play at American Airlines Center in downtown Dallas — the most accessible major venue in DFW, reachable via DART Rail. Tickets range from $35 (upper deck) to $200+ (lower bowl) for regular season games. Premium matchups against the Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics sell out quickly. The arena also hosts the Dallas Stars (NHL) — one building, two major franchises. Pre-game dining in Victory Park (surrounding the arena) is excellent. Same-day tickets through the Mavericks app or SeatGeek often represent solid value.

Globe Life Field in Arlington opened in 2020 and is one of the finest ballparks in Major League Baseball — retractable roof, natural grass, excellent sightlines, and climate control that makes summer baseball comfortable for the first time in Texas history. Tickets are significantly more affordable than Cowboys or Mavericks games ($15–$80 for most regular season games). The ballpark is walking distance from AT&T Stadium. The atmosphere during playoff runs (Rangers won the World Series in 2023) is exceptional.

FC Dallas plays at Toyota Stadium in Frisco — one of the best soccer-specific stadiums in MLS (20,500 capacity, excellent atmosphere). As a longtime MLS club with strong player development (the club's academy produces consistent national team talent), FC Dallas offers genuine professional soccer at accessible prices ($20–$60 most matches). The Frisco location is suburban but Toyota Stadium's atmosphere on a full-house match night rivals any in the league. The 2026 World Cup has elevated soccer interest in DFW dramatically.

Dallas-Fort Worth is hosting 9 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches — more than any other North American host city. All games are played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (operating as "Dallas Stadium" per FIFA naming requirements), configured for 80,000+ capacity. The schedule includes the semi-final on July 14, 2026 — the second-biggest match in World Cup history (after the Final). Group-stage matches include England vs Croatia (June 17), Netherlands vs Japan (June 14), and Argentina vs Austria (June 22). The FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park accommodates 35,000 fans and is free to attend.

SMU (Southern Methodist University) in University Park plays in the ACC and draws strong basketball and football attendance. TCU (Texas Christian University) in Fort Worth is a national contender in football (Big 12, 2022 CFB Playoff runner-up). UNT (University of North Texas) in Denton has a developing football program. Nearby Baylor in Waco is a 90-minute drive for a different level of college sports experience. SMU football at Gerald J. Ford Stadium is worth attending — modern facility, 32,000 capacity, strong game-day atmosphere for a private university.