Arlington City Council approved a master agreement with the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, extending the team’s lease at AT&T Stadium through 2055. The 7-2 vote secures long-term stability for a key economic driver in the city and includes plans for major facility upgrades.
The Arlington City Council approved a master agreement with the @dallascowboys to extend the team’s lease @ATTStadium through 2055, ensuring the continued success of one of the City’s most significant economic drivers: https://t.co/d1RkL6byvS pic.twitter.com/aH1FNU3OcS
— City of Arlington (@CityOfArlington) April 22, 2026
The city-owned stadium opened in 2009 with an original lease expiration set for 2040, including a renewal option. The new agreement adds 15 years, giving both the city and the team greater certainty while funding improvements to the stadium and nearby public infrastructure.
A recent independent study by HR&A Advisors determined that the stadium currently produces roughly $324 million in annual economic impact for Arlington. Over the full extended period from 2026 to 2055, operations, visitor spending, and related activity are expected to generate approximately $9.7 billion for the local economy.
The analysis further projects a nearly $460 million fiscal benefit to the city between 2041 and 2055. These funds support essential public services such as hiring more police officers and firefighters, street maintenance, new road and sidewalk construction, and enhancements to parks, libraries, and recreation centers.
Since its opening, AT&T Stadium has served as a cornerstone of Arlington’s Entertainment District. It has hosted major events including the NCAA Final Four, NFL Draft, Cotton Bowl Classic, WWE WrestleMania, and concerts featuring Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Bad Bunny. The venue is set to host nine matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup this summer.
Under the deal, the Dallas Cowboys will invest a minimum of $750 million in maintenance, operations, and upgrades to the stadium complex through 2055. Arlington will contribute up to $273 million (net present value) over 20 years through a dedicated maintenance account. This city contribution will come solely from existing voter-approved venue taxes and will not use the general fund or impose new taxes. The Cowboys will cover upfront costs for eligible improvements and be reimbursed by the city over time.
The funding will support security upgrades to meet enhanced SAFETY Act standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, as well as improved traffic circulation, pedestrian safety, and event operations, per the City of Arlington’s Office of Communication press release.
The Cowboys will continue to operate and maintain the stadium and oversee the design and construction of the improvements, targeting completion by 2043.
The agreement also extends the $2 million annual lease payment and $500,000 annual naming rights payment to the city through 2055. It maintains the team’s yearly $500,000 in charitable contributions to local youth programs over the same timeframe.
Arlington voters originally approved the venue taxes in 2004 and again in 2016 for stadium and Globe Life Field projects. These taxes, paid primarily by visitors, generate about $55 million per year and are legally restricted to venue-related expenses. Because the agreement stays within this existing authority and does not extend tax collection past 2048, no additional public vote is required.
Upgrades will be implemented in phases, with the Cowboys leading design and construction. More detailed timelines and project specifics will be released as planning moves forward.
