NFL franchise the Houston Texans has announced plans for a new mixed-use development which it states will “set the new standard” for the global sports and entertainment industry.

The Texans have joined forces in the venture with Harris County and Howard Hughes Communities, the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings, which develops, owns, and operates large-scale master planned communities and mixed-use developments.

Entitled Toro District, the 83-acre project includes a 22-acre, global headquarters and training complex for the Texans, which will participate in the development through an affiliate.

The Texans have long been seeking a new HQ and training facility, with theHouston Chronicle noting they are currently one of only three NFL franchises to house their headquarters in the same building they play home games – NRG Stadium. The others are the Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals.

Harris County owns NRG Stadium and currently leases out the facility to the Texans under a deal that is currently due to end in 2032. The Texans share NRG Stadium with Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, which has created scheduling issues for the team.

Bridgeland Central base

Along with the training complex and HQ, Toro District will include a mix of retail, restaurant, hotel, entertainment, commercial, and medical space within Bridgeland Central, the community’s emerging urban core.

Bridgeland is a Howard Hughes community spanning 11,500-acres in Cypress, Texas. Bridgeland Central is its growing 925-acre urban hub. The Texans are hoping to break ground on Toro District later this year, with a view towards completion in 2029.

Cal McNair, chair and CEO of the Houston Texans, said: “Our organisation continues to grow and this aligns with our goals of bringing a championship to Houston, enhancing community services and making sports more accessible.

“This project reinforces our long-term commitment to Harris County and our focus on driving growth and opportunity for the community. It will set the new standard for the global sports and entertainment industry and it’s the most significant evolution for our organisation since our inception.”

A statement project for Houston

The new headquarters and athletic complex will provide expanded training facilities and create new opportunities for youth programming, community events, and educational partnerships.

Harris County Commissioners Lesley Briones and Tom Ramsey partnered with the Texans and Howard Hughes to ensure the project directly benefits local residents. Plans include expanded parks and trails, infrastructure improvements, enhanced mobility, and a future on-site Community Services Center to increase access to county resources.

David O’Reilly, CEO of Howard Hughes, said: “This is not just a headquarters. It is a statement about where Houston is going.

“When you bring together visionary public leadership, a world-class NFL franchise, and a long-term development partner, you can do something far bigger than any one organisation alone.

“Toro District will create jobs, strengthen infrastructure, expand access to services, and deliver a gathering place that families will enjoy for generations.”