AUSTIN, Texas — A marquee college basketball matchup could soon be joining the big events coming to the Dallas Cowboys' new $1.1 billion stadium in Arlington.

Officials from Texas and North Carolina are in serious discussions with the Cowboys for a game that would pit the two national powers early next season at the new stadium, according to Texas athletic department sources.

A likely date would be Dec. 19, 2009, sources said, as part of a home-and-home agreement. Texas and North Carolina would also meet in the 2010-11 season, probably in Greensboro, N.C.

The parties still have to work out logistics and sign contracts, sources say. An official announcement could be a month or more away.

The game would focus attention on the state-of-the-art facility and also give the Cowboys a chance to hone their ability to host a major basketball event.

The Cowboys, with North Texas support, are bidding against nine other sites for Final Fours in 2012-16. Also in the mix: Atlanta, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, New Orleans, Phoenix, San Antonio and St. Louis. Bids are expected to be awarded in November.

A Horns-Heels meeting would involve two of the top programs in college basketball.

North Carolina has reached 17 Final Fours and won four NCAA championships, most recently in 2005 with current coach Roy Williams.

Under Rick Barnes, Texas has qualified for 10 consecutive NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four in 2003.