San Antonio, TX, August 19, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is calling for the City Council to postpone a vote on a significant funding proposal for a new $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs until an independent economic impact study is conducted. The mayor emphasizes the need for thorough public input and transparency in financial commitments. The City Council is set to vote on two resolutions, one supporting the mayor’s pause and the other favoring continued negotiations with the Spurs. The outcome could dramatically influence the future of this major development project.
San Antonio — Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones$1.3 billion arena for the San Antonio Spurs until an independent economic impact study is completed and public input is gathered.
Top lines
The mayor’s call asks council members to pause action on the arena funding until outside analysis is available and constituents have had opportunities to weigh in. Council members are scheduled to vote on two competing resolutions: one supporting the mayor’s request for a pause and an independent study, and the other supporting continued negotiations with Spurs Sports & Entertainment. The outcome of the vote will materially affect the project timeline and the next steps for the proposed development, commonly referred to as Project Marvel.
What is being proposed and who pays
The proposed financial structure for the project totals $1.3 billion. The known contributions in the current term sheet are: $500 million from the San Antonio Spurs, $311 million from Bexar County, and $489 million from the City of San Antonio. The Spurs have committed to covering 100% of any construction cost overruns and have indicated an intention to avoid direct tax impacts on individual households.
Why the pause is being requested
The mayor has raised concerns about the adequacy and independence of existing economic data. Current analyses referenced by city officials originate from a study commissioned by the Spurs, which the mayor and others have questioned for potential conflicts of interest. The mayor is advocating for an independent study similar in approach to one previously used for a different NBA franchise to provide an impartial view of anticipated economic benefits, costs, and long-term fiscal impacts.
Supporting details
At a City Hall news conference, the mayor outlined a broader plan for constituent engagement and recommended that each council member host two town hall meetings before any vote on funding terms. The mayor emphasized the need for community transparency and an opportunity for residents to review independent data and provide feedback.
City Manager Erik Walsh reported that five council members have contacted his office indicating interest in moving forward with the term sheet. During a recent council meeting, the mayor was in the minority on a push for a strategic pause amid notable council pressure to proceed. The majority decision on either of the two resolutions will determine whether formal negotiations continue immediately or whether the council first seeks independent analysis and more robust public input.
Political and procedural implications
Beyond the city council’s vote, Bexar County voters will face a significant decision in November on a venue tax election that would fund the county’s share of the project. That county referendum is a separate but linked decision point: approval would authorize the county contribution included in the term sheet and shape the project’s financial feasibility.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment leadership has reiterated the organization’s engagement in the discussions and commitment to the project process. Nonetheless, concern has been raised by some officials and residents about a consulting firm involved in prior economic work and its ties to the Spurs, prompting calls for an independent audit or separate research conducted by a neutral firm.
Background and context
The proposal, widely discussed as Project Marvel, has prompted debate over public investment in major sports venues, the transparency of economic impact claims made by franchise-backed studies, and the role of public hearings in large-scale capital decisions. Advocates argue that a new arena can spur jobs, tourism, and downtown redevelopment; critics caution that projected economic benefits often fall short of promises and can place long-term obligations on public budgets.
The mayor’s request that council members hold town halls seeks to ensure residents can review independent findings and engage directly with elected officials before a binding step is taken. The council’s immediate vote will decide whether to press forward with negotiations under the current term sheet or to pause pending an independent study and expanded public consultations.
Next steps
- City Council to vote on two resolutions: pause for independent study vs. continue negotiations.
- If the pause is approved, an independent economic impact study would be commissioned and council members would hold town halls as requested.
- Bexar County voters will decide on a venue tax proposal in November related to the county’s contribution.
- Spurs have committed to covering construction cost overruns and remain engaged in project discussions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Marvel and how much will it cost?
Project Marvel is the working name for the proposed new arena for the San Antonio Spurs. The total projected cost in the current term sheet is $1.3 billion.
How is the $1.3 billion split among contributors?
The term sheet shows $500 million from the Spurs, $311 million from Bexar County, and $489 million from the City of San Antonio.
Why does the mayor want an independent economic study?
The mayor requested an independent study because existing economic impact data were commissioned by the Spurs and are viewed by some officials as potentially biased or inadequate for assessing public financial commitments.
What will the City Council vote on?
Council members will vote on two resolutions: one to pause action and request an independent study and public town halls, and another to continue negotiations with Spurs Sports & Entertainment under the current term sheet.
Will taxpayers pay for cost overruns?
The Spurs have committed to cover 100% of any construction cost overruns according to the current term sheet.
Is there a public vote related to this project?
Bexar County voters will decide in November on a venue tax election that would fund the county’s contribution to the project if approved.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project name | Project Marvel (proposed Spurs arena) |
| Total projected cost | $1.3 billion |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million |
| Bexar County contribution | $311 million (subject to a county venue tax vote) |
| City of San Antonio contribution | $489 million |
| Cost overrun responsibility | Spurs committed to cover 100% of construction cost overruns |
| Request from mayor | Pause vote until independent economic study and town halls are completed |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Current / Ongoing | Mayor requests pause and independent economic study; asks council members to hold town halls | Mayor’s office |
| Upcoming (Council meeting) | City Council to vote on two resolutions: pause vs. continue negotiations | City Council agenda |
| November (upcoming) | Bexar County venue tax election for county funding share | Bexar County election schedule |
| Ongoing | Spurs and city continue project discussions; Spurs commit to cover overruns | Spurs Sports & Entertainment statements |
Funding distribution visualization
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: San Antonio City Council to Vote on New Spurs Arena
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- KENS5: San Antonio City Council Vote on Project Marvel
- Google Search: Project Marvel San Antonio
- KSAT: San Antonio City Council to Vote on Two Resolutions
- Google Scholar: Independent Economic Impact Study
- News 4 San Antonio: Power Struggle at City Hall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio
- San Antonio Current: Mayor Drops Controversial City Hall Rule Change
- Google News: San Antonio City Council
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