Why should taxpayers fund renovations for millionaires and billionaires? That makes no sense.
In 2022, the revenue of all 32 NFL teams totaled 18.6 billion U.S. dollars, the highest figure to-date. Meanwhile, NFL league and team sponsorship generated 1.88 billion U.S. dollars that same year.
I don’t mind paying some taxes for venues and their renovations especially because the net benefit is more than sports and attracts big events to the city with a boon to the economy - but there is obviously a limit.
That’s blackmail, and it’s a hollow threat anyway. There are only so many cities that can support teams, and the NFL doesn’t want teams to move, it wants to expand. I think voters did the right thing by calling their bluff.
For the record, there isn’t a better place in Kansas City for the baseball and football stadiums that right where they are. Easy to get to. Easy parking. Don’t mess with success.
PS: The Chiefs and Royals aren’t going to relocate because the funding was turned down, IMO.
It’s my understanding that KC did a similar thing for their zoo, and local residents get free admission in return for the tax increase.
If I were a KC resident considering a tax increase for a football stadium, I’d be willing to support it in exchange for free (or even just cheap) admission to some games.
If the stadiums were reserved strictly for use of the sports club and nothing else, I’m inclined to agree.
But aren’t these venues used for much more - concerts, hosting other sports events, in some cases those that bring lots of visitors and revenue to cities ?