MLB commissioner Rob Manfred defends team owners' requests for public funding for stadiums, citing it as essential for the quality of life and city's entertainment opportunities.

By the Numbers
  • Robert Baade's 1994 study on 48 cities across 30 years found that sports investments do not generate new revenues for communities.
  • Nevada taxpayers are expected to cover $380 million for the potential move of the Oakland A's to Las Vegas.
Yes, But

The economic benefits of public funding for sports facilities have been consistently debunked by academic research, despite arguments of being an economic driver.

State of Play
  • Public financing of sports venues is a long-standing practice, with projects now often structured as public-private partnerships.
  • Public referendums on funding for sports facilities often face opposition from the public, as seen in Kansas City with a recent 58% rejection rate.
What's Next

Despite ongoing debates, team owners and commissioners continue to advocate for public funding, while opponents push for transparent and democratic decision-making processes.

Bottom Line

The debate over public funding for sports facilities persists, with a clear disconnect between the justifications presented by proponents and the economic realities highlighted by research, calling for a reevaluation of priorities and investments.