The Dallas Cowboys are teaming up with the NHL for a major event. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have announced that the Dallas Stars will host the 2027 NHL series at AT&T Stadium. This marks one of the biggest collaborations between football and hockey in North Texas.

Jerry Jones’ latest move is one beyond football, but a reminder of the scope of his long-term vision. The figure of $2 billion describes the valuation of the Cowboys in 2024, a reminder of the huge platform Jones possesses. With such brand power, he is now extending the Cowboys’ reach by hosting one of hockey’s biggest showcases. The deal will no doubt strengthen both leagues while fitting in with Jones’ mission to bring more global sports moments to North Texas.

Speaking about Jones and the NHL-NFL crossover, Bettman said, “Ever since its opening in 2009, Jerry Jones has been advocating for an outdoor game at this amazing venue. And we are delighted to partner with the Cowboys and Stars — two franchises dedicated to the fans of North Texas.” Jones echoed the same enthusiasm.

Jones said he, too, was excited. “Hosting the NHL Stadium Series with the Dallas Stars is another great example of the vision we’ve always had for what AT&T Stadium could be beyond football,” he said.

Already, the Cowboys average more than 93,000 fans per home game, most in the NFL, and this will bring even more fans for the NHL into the stadium. The Stars brought in 85,630 fans in the 2020 Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl. Given that only two games in NHL history have ever passed the 90,000 mark.

The 2027 Stadium Series further cements the tradition of global sporting events held at AT&T Stadium. Since its opening in 2009, Super Bowl XLV, the 2015 College Football Playoff Championship, and the 2018 NFL Draft have found homes here. It has also played host to the 2010 NBA All-Star Game, the 2014 Final Four, international soccer matches, and WrestleMania events in 2016 and 2022. Few stadiums in the world have stacked that type of calendar, another testament to Jones’ $2B-brand ambition to make AT&T Stadium a global sports hub.

While celebrating this historic hockey partnership, Jerry Jones also added some fuel to NFL speculation.

‘Certainly have made a trade, ‘ says Jerry Jones

The Cowboys owner teased fans by confirming that a trade has already been planned, and more could be on the way, but he wouldn’t name names or go into any detail.

During an interview with Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM last week, Jones hinted at incoming help but was deliberately vague: “A lot of action going on right now in terms of trading, we certainly have made a trade and we may make a couple more trades before that deadline.”

He doubled down later, saying fans would have to wait until the paperwork hits league offices to find out who the Cowboys are adding. That secrecy instantly sent Dallas fans and NFL analysts searching for clues. Jones offered one key hint, the new acquisition will address an area where the Cowboys have been struggling, and the defense has been the clear concern for the Cowboys. They have struggled to generate consistent pressure.

Even so, the Cowboys could be looking at other options, and the confidence from Jones seems to indicate something is already happening soon. The mystery only makes the moment bigger with the looming trade deadline.