San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is calling for a delay in the City Council’s vote on a proposed $1.3 billion funding deal for a new Spurs arena, advocating for an independent economic impact study and community input before any commitment. The request highlights the need for transparency and thorough analysis as discussions on funding commitments intensify, with upcoming decisions set for a council meeting. The situation remains contentious among council members, emphasizing the importance of public engagement in the final decision-making process.
San Antonio
Mayor asks council to pause votes on funding terms for proposed $1.3 billion Spurs arena
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones urged the City Council to delay approval of non-binding funding terms for a proposed $1.3 billion downtown Spurs arena and to require an independent economic impact study plus community meetings in every council district before any final city commitment. The request came during a news conference at City Hall on August 18, 2025, ahead of a council meeting scheduled for August 21, 2025, which will include both a resolution to pause consideration and a separate resolution to approve the agreed-upon funding terms.
Summary of the immediate situation
- Mayor Jones supports keeping the Spurs in San Antonio but wants a more data-backed deal and broader community input prior to formal city approval.
- City staff and Spurs Sports & Entertainment have a proposed term sheet; significant disagreement remains among council members over whether to proceed now or delay.
- Mayor Jones needs five additional votes from the 11-member council to carry a motion to pause the decision.
- Regardless of the council outcome, Bexar County voters will decide on the county’s portion of the funding in a November ballot measure.
What the mayor is requesting
The mayor is asking the council to postpone approval of the non-binding funding terms and to commission an independent economic impact study that comprehensively evaluates costs, benefits and risks. She also requested a series of community meetings in each council district to gather public input before the council advances any final city funding commitment.
Council dynamics and current alignments
At the August 18 event, Mayor Jones was joined in support of a pause by District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and District 6 Councilman Ric Galvan. City Manager Erik Walsh indicated that five council members had asked him to place the term sheet on the August 21 agenda, suggesting that a majority may favor proceeding to consideration rather than delaying. At a prior meeting on August 6, 2025, Mayor Jones had sought a strategic pause but was opposed by a majority of council members at that time.
Funding commitments in the proposed term sheet
The proposed term sheet allocates financial commitments from three main parties: the Spurs, Bexar County and the City of San Antonio. The Spurs have pledged $500 million toward the arena plus an additional $1.4 billion for nearby development projects intended to deliver community benefits. Bexar County would commit up to $311 million, pending voter approval in November. The city’s proposed commitment is identified as $489 million. Spurs Sports & Entertainment leadership has indicated the organization will cover any construction cost overruns and that families would not face a direct tax impact from those overruns.
Concerns about the economic analysis
The only comprehensive economic analysis currently available was commissioned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment. Several members of the mayor’s team and other council members have said that the consulting studies provided to the city lack sufficient detail on risk, assumptions and long-term fiscal impacts. Those concerns form the core of the mayor’s demand for an independent study before city-level funding terms are advanced.
Timing and public engagement
The City Council’s August 21 agenda contains two competing items: one resolution to pause progress and one resolution to approve the funding terms brought forward by city staff and the Spurs. The mayor has publicly and on social media urged residents to contact council members to request support for a delay and broader public engagement. Some council members counter that clarity on city funding terms is needed in advance of the county ballot, so voters can make informed choices in November.
Next steps
- August 21, 2025 — City Council considers both a pause resolution and an approval resolution.
- November 2025 — Bexar County voters will decide on the county’s portion of the funding.
- Potential independent study and district-level public meetings would proceed if the council votes to pause and commission those steps.
Context
The arena proposal and associated development represent a multi-party financing plan intended to retain the Spurs and create adjacent development. Debate centers on fiscal risk, transparency of analysis, community benefits and timing relative to the county ballot. The mayor’s request emphasizes independent evaluation and more direct constituent consultation before San Antonio makes a large fiscal commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones asking the City Council to do?
The mayor is asking the council to postpone approval of non-binding funding terms for the proposed Spurs arena, order an independent economic impact study, and hold community meetings in each council district before advancing any city funding commitment.
When will the City Council vote on the arena funding terms?
The council meeting on August 21, 2025, includes both a resolution to pause consideration and a resolution to approve the agreed-upon funding terms; council action on those items is expected at that meeting.
What funding commitments are proposed?
The proposed term sheet includes a Spurs pledge of $500 million, Bexar County commitment of up to $311 million pending voter approval, and a proposed city contribution of $489 million, for a combined $1.3 billion arena budget.
What studies are available on the arena’s economic impact?
The only full economic analysis available to date was commissioned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment. City leaders and some council members have said those studies are insufficient and have called for an independent study.
How can the public weigh in?
Public input is expected to factor into the council decision. The mayor has urged residents to contact council members to request a pause, and community meetings have been proposed as part of the mayor’s requested process if the council agrees to delay.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total arena budget | $1.3 billion |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million plus $1.4 billion for adjacent development |
| Bexar County commitment | Up to $311 million, subject to voter approval in November |
| City proposed commitment | $489 million |
| Cost overrun responsibility | Spurs Sports & Entertainment indicated commitment to cover overruns |
| Available economic analysis | Study commissioned by Spurs Sports & Entertainment; independent study requested |
| Public engagement requested | Community meetings in each council district if council pauses approval |
Timeline
| Date | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| August 6, 2025 | Mayor initially sought a strategic pause at a council meeting; majority opposed | City Council record |
| August 18, 2025 | Mayor held news conference requesting delay, independent study, and district meetings | City Hall statements |
| August 21, 2025 | Council agenda includes both a resolution to pause and a resolution to approve funding terms | City Council agenda |
| November 2025 | Bexar County voters will decide on the county’s funding portion | County ballot measure |
Funding split visual (simple chart)
Proposed allocation of the $1.3 billion arena budget
Council support status visual
Known supporters of a pause vs. votes still sought (council of 11 members)
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- KSAT News
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs New Arena
- Spectrum News
- Google Scholar: Economic Impact Study Spurs Arena
- KENS 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs Arena
- WOAI News
- Google News: Spurs Arena Funding Delay
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
