You’re sitting there, remote in hand, or maybe you're just trying to plan your week around the local sports scene, and the question hits: when does Dallas play next? It’s a simple question that gets complicated fast because, well, Dallas is a massive sports town. Depending on whether you're looking for the gridiron, the hardwood, or the ice, the answer changes by the hour.
Right now, we are in the thick of the 2025-2026 winter sports season. The Cowboys just wrapped up a rollercoaster of a year, the Mavericks are fighting for playoff positioning, and the Stars are essentially living on a plane this month.
The Mavericks are Back at the Garden
If you’re a basketball fan, the wait is almost zero. The Dallas Mavericks are currently in the middle of a high-stakes stretch. After a Saturday afternoon clash with the Utah Jazz, the team is packing their bags for one of the most iconic arenas in sports.
Monday, January 19, 2026, the Mavs take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM CST. You can catch this one on KFAA locally, but it’s also getting some national love on NBC and Peacock. Honestly, watching Luka and the crew in NYC is always a spectacle, but keep an eye on the injury report. Word is that Cooper Flagg—who has been a massive storyline this season—is dealing with an ankle sprain from earlier in the week. He's been listed as doubtful, which definitely changes the dynamic of that matchup.
Once they get back from the Big Apple, the home stand at the American Airlines Center (AAC) gets intense.
- Thursday, Jan 22: Golden State Warriors at 6:30 PM (Prime Video)
- Saturday, Jan 24: Los Angeles Lakers at 7:30 PM (ABC/WFAA)
- Sunday, Jan 25: At Milwaukee Bucks at 6:00 PM (KFAA)
Dallas Stars: A Sunday Matinee
Hockey fans don't have to wait until Monday. The Dallas Stars have a quick turnaround. After a rough road trip through the West where they dropped games to the Mammoth and Ducks, they are finally back home.
📖 Related: Bethany Hamilton and the Shark: What Really Happened That Morning
The Stars play the Tampa Bay Lightning on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
This is an early one. Set your alarm or grab your brunch because the puck drops at 1:00 PM CST at the American Airlines Center. If you aren't heading to the arena, you’ll find it on NHL Network and streaming on Victory+.
The Stars are currently sitting at 27-12-9. They’ve been solid, but they are clearly feeling the fatigue of a January that has them playing 11 games on the road. This home stint is crucial for resting those legs before they head back out to Columbus on Thursday.
What About the Dallas Cowboys?
Here is where the "when does Dallas play next" question gets a little bit somber for some. If you are looking for a Cowboys game today, you're out of luck.
The Dallas Cowboys' 2025 season officially ended on January 4, 2026, with a 34-17 loss to the New York Giants. Because they finished second in the NFC East and missed the playoff cut, the pads are off until the summer.
We don't have the exact dates for the 2026 season yet—the NFL usually drops that massive schedule release in mid-May—but we do know who they are playing.
👉 See also: Simona Halep and the Reality of Tennis Player Breast Reduction
- Home Opponents: Eagles, Commanders, Giants, Jaguars, Titans, Ravens, Cardinals, 49ers, and Buccaneers.
- Away Opponents: Eagles, Commanders, Giants, Packers, Texans, Colts, Seahawks, and Rams.
The "Battle of Texas" against the Houston Texans is already the game everyone is circling for next fall. Since the NFC gets the extra home game in 2026, the Cowboys will actually play nine games at AT&T Stadium (unless one gets moved to an international site like London or Germany).
FC Dallas and the 2026 Season
Soccer fans are currently in that weird "preseason hype" phase. Major League Soccer is just around the corner. FC Dallas is gearing up for their 2026 campaign, which is set to be huge given the World Cup buzz that will be taking over the country later this year.
FC Dallas plays their season opener on Saturday, February 21, 2026, against Toronto FC.
That match is at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, with a 7:30 PM CST start time. Every single MLS game this year is going to be on the Apple TV - MLS Season Pass, so make sure your subscription is active before late February rolls around.
Quick Reference: Your Next 48 Hours in Dallas Sports
If you're just looking for a "give it to me straight" list for the next couple of days, here is the immediate outlook:
- Sunday, Jan 18: Stars vs. Lightning (1:00 PM CST) - TV: NHL Network / Victory+
- Monday, Jan 19: Mavericks @ Knicks (4:00 PM CST) - TV: NBC / Peacock / KFAA
- Tuesday, Jan 20: Stars vs. Bruins (6:30 PM CST) - TV: TNT / Max
- Wednesday, Jan 21: (Off day for the major teams)
- Thursday, Jan 22: Mavericks vs. Warriors (6:30 PM CST) - TV: Prime Video
Basically, the American Airlines Center is the place to be this week. Between the Stars hosting two of the best teams in the East (Tampa and Boston) and the Mavs bringing in Steph Curry on Thursday, the arena staff is going to be busy flipping the floor from ice to hardwood.
✨ Don't miss: NFL Pick 'em Predictions: Why You're Probably Overthinking the Divisional Round
Where to Catch the Games Locally
If you're wondering how to actually watch these games without a massive cable bill, things have changed a bit in 2026.
The Stars are primarily on Victory+, which is a free streaming service for fans in the local territory. It's been a game-changer for people who were tired of the old regional sports network blackouts. The Mavericks are split; some games are on KFAA (Channel 29) or WFAA (Channel 8) for free over-the-air, while others are exclusive to Prime Video or Peacock.
For the Cowboys, when September finally rolls around, you'll be back to the usual rotation of FOX, CBS, and NBC. But for now, your best bet for live sports is grabbing the Victory+ app and keeping your Monday afternoon clear for some Mavs basketball.
Keep your eyes on the Stars' performance against Tampa tomorrow. After that frustrating loss to the Mammoth, they need a win to keep pace in the Central Division. As for the Mavs, that Knicks game is a total toss-up if the rookie Flagg stays on the bench, but watching Kyrie and Luka navigate a hostile MSG crowd is always worth the price of admission.
Next Steps for Dallas Fans
- Download the Victory+ app on your smart TV or phone to ensure you can stream the Stars vs. Lightning game for free on Sunday.
- Check the local KFAA listings if you're using an antenna to make sure you have a clear signal for the Mavericks' Monday afternoon tip-off.
- Update your MLS Season Pass on Apple TV now if you plan on catching the FC Dallas season opener next month, as early-bird pricing often expires as the season nears.