San Antonio, TX, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio City Council has voted 7 to 4 to advance a $1.3 billion term sheet for a new arena for the Spurs. This approval allows city officials to move forward with negotiations on funding and contracts, despite the mayor’s suggestion to seek an independent economic review. The project includes a 30-year non-relocation agreement for the Spurs and significant funding commitments from the city, county, and the Spurs organization. Local reactions are mixed, with some business owners hopeful for increased revenue and others concerned about potential disruptions.
San Antonio — The San Antonio City Council voted 7 to 4 to advance a $1.3 billion term sheet to build a new arena for the Spurs, rejecting a proposal from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones to pause the process for an independent economic review. The term sheet sets funding commitments, a 30-year non-relocation agreement, and outlines leasing, maintenance, and community benefit provisions while moving the project into contract negotiations.
Key decision and immediate outcome
The council vote authorizes city officials and Spurs Sports & Entertainment to proceed to contract work on a new arena within a planned sports and entertainment district. The city has committed $489 million to the project. Bexar County has pledged to provide up to $311 million, contingent on a county vote scheduled for November 4. Spurs Sports & Entertainment will contribute $500 million and has agreed to cover any cost overruns.
The term sheet includes a 30-year non-relocation agreement tying the Spurs to San Antonio, with allowances for the team to play a limited number of away games each season. The agreement also allocates $75 million in community benefits over the 30-year term and addresses lease terms and maintenance responsibilities.
Council debate and mayoral request
The mayor proposed pausing the approval process to commission an independent economic analysis before committing public funds. Council members voted against that pause and moved the term sheet forward. At a public meeting on the City Plaza during deliberations, a tense exchange occurred when the mayor questioned whether the Spurs’ ownership opposed an independent study. Spurs leadership maintained that sufficient information already exists to support the arena’s projected economic benefits.
Local reactions and concerns
Local business owners expressed mixed reactions. Many are optimistic that the new arena and the broader entertainment district will increase foot traffic and revenues for nearby restaurants, hotels, and retail outlets. At the same time, business owners raised concerns about construction disruption, traffic congestion, and short-term impacts on daily operations.
Activist groups and critics have pointed to the proposal’s use of public funds given San Antonio’s high poverty rate, questioning whether the public investment is the best use of limited municipal resources. Supporters emphasize job creation, downtown revitalization, and long-term tax and tourism benefits as key outcomes.
Project location and scope
The proposed arena is planned as the centerpiece of a new sports and entertainment district that will include a convention center component, hotel capacity, and retail development. The Spurs currently play at the Frost Bank Center and would move into the new venue by the 2032 NBA season, according to project timelines outlined in the term sheet.
Next steps and administrative actions
City Manager Erik Walsh indicated the immediate focus will shift to negotiating and executing contracts for design, construction, operations, and related services. The county funding commitment requires voter approval on the November ballot. If the county vote is successful and contracts proceed without major legal or financing obstacles, construction phases and permitting timelines will follow according to those agreements.
Financial commitments at a glance
- City commitment: $489 million
- Bexar County: up to $311 million (pending vote)
- Spurs Sports & Entertainment: $500 million plus responsibility for cost overruns
- Community benefits: $75 million over 30 years
Background context
The arena proposal has been under discussion as part of downtown redevelopment efforts intended to boost tourism, create jobs, and modernize sports and entertainment infrastructure. The council’s approval of the term sheet is a procedural step that narrows project terms but does not finalize construction contracts. Questions remain about traffic mitigation, construction scheduling, detailed economic impacts, and how community benefits will be administered.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Project cost | $1.3 billion (term sheet total) |
| City contribution | $489 million |
| County contribution | Up to $311 million (pending November 4 vote) |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million; covers cost overruns |
| Non-relocation agreement | 30 years with limited away-game exceptions |
| Community benefits | $75 million over 30 years |
| Target occupancy | Move-in by 2032 NBA season |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recent | City Council vote to advance $1.3B term sheet (7–4) | Council action — term sheet approved |
| Recent (City Plaza meeting) | Mayor requests pause for independent economic study; council rejects pause | Public hearing — mayoral proposal defeated |
| November 4 | Bexar County ballot vote on up to $311M funding | Pending public vote |
| By 2032 NBA season | Planned move from Frost Bank Center to new arena | Projected timeline per term sheet |
Visual summaries and simple charts
Funding distribution (proportion of $1.3B)
Council vote breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the City Council vote to approve?
The City Council voted 7 to 4 to proceed with a term sheet for a new $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs, allowing staff to move into contract negotiations.
How will the project be funded?
The city committed $489 million, Bexar County may contribute up to $311 million pending a vote, and Spurs Sports & Entertainment will contribute $500 million and cover any cost overruns.
Did the mayor ask for further study?
Yes. The mayor requested a pause to obtain an independent economic analysis, but the council voted against pausing the process.
What is the non-relocation agreement?
The term sheet includes a 30-year non-relocation agreement keeping the Spurs in San Antonio, with limited allowances for away games each season.
When would the Spurs move to the new arena?
The Spurs are expected to move to the new arena by the 2032 NBA season, according to the term sheet timeline.
What are the main concerns raised by opponents?
Critics and activist groups have raised concerns about the use of public funds given local poverty levels, potential construction disruptions, traffic, and short-term impacts on nearby businesses.
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Additional Resources
- The Stadium Business
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- San Antonio Current
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs new arena
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Spurs arena
- Community Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- Sports Business Journal
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs new arena
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.
