worried the move may kill their foot traffic

The Dallas Mavericks' plan to leave downtown Dallas and relocate to North Dallas is raising concerns among business owners who rely on game-day crowds, while city leaders say the move could create new opportunities for long-term growth in the city center.

The Mavericks are looking to purchase 104 acres where the former Valley View Mall once stood. The announcement has prompted questions about what downtown Dallas will look like after the Mavericks and the Stars leave the area.

For businesses in Victory Park, the news is unsettling.

Roti Grill, located near the American Airlines Center, has benefited from Mavericks home games for years.

"When we have the games, it's a win for us. And I don't just think about us, I think everybody on the block," said Angel Perez.

Perez said the possibility of losing that customer traffic is concerning.

"I got a little concerned because we're really kind of slow as it is," said Perez. "I don't know if we're gonna be still having a job after it gets slower."

Dallas City Council member Adam Bazaldua said the team's decision reflects a broader vision for the city's future.

"The Mavs made a very smart business decision, and it's one that overall will be a positive attribute to the future of the city of Dallas," said Bazaldua.

The move comes after the Mavericks said they worked closely with the city to identify the best option.

Despite concerns from some business owners, Bazaldua said downtown's future should not depend solely on professional sports.

"We need to be focusing on our city center being another one of our many unique, amazing neighborhoods of our city, which means we need to promote more residential growth here in downtown Dallas," said Bazaldua.

According to the latest Downtown Dallas Inc. market numbers, downtown is home to more than 200 places to eat and drink and 70 retail shops. Nearly 16,000 people live downtown, and more people were working in downtown offices last year.

Bazaldua said increasing the number of residents in downtown Dallas could help create a more sustainable customer base for businesses.

"We need to give those businesses a higher demand, more sustainable business model because we've put more people that are living here, walking here, playing here, and it's not dependent on a sports team schedule," said Bazaldua.

For Perez, the future remains uncertain, but he remains hopeful.

"I mean the only thing we have to do is just keep the customers happy," said Perez.

While many questions remain unanswered, businesses around Victory Park still have several years before the Mavericks officially leave downtown Dallas and are focused on making the most of the time they have left.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.