For decades, the Houston Texans and NRG Park have been synonymous. Since the franchise’s inception in 2002, NRG Stadium, owned by Harris County, has served as the team’s exclusive home for both games and daily operations. However, a significant shift is on the horizon.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, Harris County commissioners unanimously approved a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Houston Texans and Howard Hughes Holdings. This agreement paves the way for a massive, 83-acre sports and entertainment complex in the Bridgeland area of Northwest Houston, signaling a major transition for the team’s headquarters and training facilities.
The Toro District: A State-of-the-Art Destination
The new facility, fittingly named the Toro District after the team’s mascot, is designed to be much more than just an office for players and staff. Developed in partnership with Howard Hughes Holdings—the visionaries behind The Woodlands—the project aims to be a premier destination for fans and the community.
Key features of the Toro District are expected to include:
Modern Training Facilities: Providing the team with cutting-edge resources for player development.
New Team Headquarters: Moving administrative operations from the South side of Houston to the rapidly growing Northwest corridor.
Retail and Entertainment: A dedicated district featuring dining and shopping options.
Fan Experiences: Spaces designed for watch parties and community engagement, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the Texans’ culture even during away games.
Economic Impact and Strategic Growth
The move is not just a sporting decision but an economic one. The project is projected to have a $34 billion economic impact on the region and create approximately 17,000 jobs. Funding for the necessary infrastructure will be supported by a new Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ), which utilizes a portion of property tax revenue to fuel local development.
David O’Reilly, CEO of Howard Hughes Holdings, emphasized the significance of the project, stating, “This is not just a headquarters; it’s a statement about where Houston is going”. By moving to Northwest Houston, the Texans are aligning themselves with one of the fastest-growing areas in the 10-county Houston region.
The Future of NRG Stadium
While the headquarters and training are moving, the Texans will continue to play their home games at NRG Stadium for the immediate future. However, the long-term outlook remains a topic of speculation. The current lease for NRG Stadium is set to expire in 2032, just six years away.
Texans owner Cal McNair has previously noted that the current stadium arrangement may not be sustainable long-term. With the trend of “flashy new playpens” like those in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, the aging NRG Stadium, which will be 30 years old by the time the lease expires, faces increasing pressure for major renovations or a potential replacement.
While the current announcement focuses solely on the training facility and headquarters, the move to Bridgeland naturally raises questions about whether a new stadium could eventually follow suit in the Northwest.
A Bold Step Forward
The transition to the Toro District represents a bold evolution for the Houston Texans. By creating a multi-use destination that blends professional sports with community entertainment, the franchise is securing its future and contributing to the dynamic growth of the Houston landscape.
