San Antonio, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio City Council is set to vote on a term sheet for funding a new $1.3 billion arena for the Spurs. Despite calls from the mayor for a delay until an independent economic study is conducted, support among council members remains strong, indicating progress on the project. Contributions are proposed from the Spurs, Bexar County, and the city, with potential community benefits and surrounding development plans that could reshape the downtown area.
San Antonio
City council set to vote on funding term sheet for new Spurs arena amid calls for independent economic review
The San Antonio City Council is scheduled to vote on a term sheet that would advance funding negotiations for a proposed downtown arena for the Spurs, a project estimated at about $1.3 billion. The vote comes as the mayor has requested a pause in negotiations until an independent economic impact study is completed by a firm with no ties to the team. Council support for moving forward appears strong, with at least seven members backing continued negotiations despite the mayor’s request for a delay.
Key decision points and immediate implications
The term sheet under consideration outlines the structure of contributions: the Spurs would pledge $500 million, Bexar County could contribute up to $311 million pending voter approval, and the City of San Antonio would provide up to $489 million through bonds backed by state hotel revenues and downtown reinvestment zones. The arrangement would also include a commitment from Spurs Sports & Entertainment for $2.5 million in annual community benefits and developer-led surrounding investment estimated at $1.4 billion, with an initial $500 million phase required to be complete by the time the arena opens.
Why the mayor is seeking a delay
The mayor has sought to delay project negotiations until an independent, unbiased economic impact study is completed. The concern centers on the fact that the only available analysis so far has come from a consultant hired by the Spurs. A previous study by consulting firm CSL was noted as not focusing specifically on the arena itself but on other projects in the sports and entertainment district, and city staff have defended CSL’s selection by citing internal safeguards. The mayor’s request reflects calls for clarity on economic forecasts and potential public cost/benefit outcomes before finalizing a deal.
Council dynamics and timing
At least seven council members have indicated support for moving forward with the term sheet. One council member has emphasized urgency to advance the term sheet prior to the November Bexar County election. The majority backing suggests the council could approve negotiations despite the mayor’s request for delay, though the final vote outcome will determine whether the city moves forward now or waits for further independent analysis.
Project scope, timeline and venue details
The project, referred to in planning materials as Project Marvel, is projected to take up to 57 months to design and construct, with a target completion aligned with the start of the 2032–33 NBA season. The new arena is expected to have between 17,000 and 18,500 seats, comparable to the current Frost Bank Center seating capacity of roughly 18,418. The agreement includes a scheduled renovation window between the 13th and 15th years of operation to maintain a state-of-the-art facility.
Supporting details and fiscal elements
Funding mechanics in the term sheet rely in part on voter approval for the county contribution and on City bond issuances backed by specific revenue streams. The term sheet’s structure is intended to combine private investment and public support while triggering surrounding private development commitments. The project proponents expect the private development to create new commercial and residential spaces adjacent to the arena, forming a larger sports and entertainment district.
Consulting reviews and controversy
Controversy has arisen regarding the economic analyses used to justify public investment. Critics have raised questions about consulting firm ties and the focus of previous reports. City staff maintain that ethical walls and procurement procedures were followed in selecting consultants, but the mayor’s request for an independent study aims to provide a separate, arms-length assessment to inform public decision-making.
FAQ
What is the City Council voting on?
The council is scheduled to vote on a term sheet that would authorize moving forward with negotiations and a funding structure for a proposed new downtown arena for the Spurs.
Why has the mayor requested a delay?
The mayor has requested a pause until an independent economic impact study by a firm with no ties to the team is completed, citing the need for unbiased data beyond consultant work provided by the Spurs.
How much will the project cost and how would it be funded?
The project is estimated at about $1.3 billion. Funding in the term sheet includes $500 million from the Spurs, up to $311 million from Bexar County pending voter approval, and up to $489 million from the City via bonds backed by state hotel revenues and downtown reinvestment zones.
What are the timeline and seating expectations?
The arena is projected to take up to 57 months to design and construct, targeting completion by the start of the 2032–33 NBA season. Seating is expected to range from 17,000 to 18,500.
What community benefits and development commitments are included?
Spurs Sports & Entertainment would commit to $2.5 million in annual community benefits and support surrounding development valued at approximately $1.4 billion, with a $500 million initial phase required by arena opening.
Key project features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total estimated cost | $1.3 billion |
| Spurs contribution | $500 million |
| Bexar County contribution (pending) | $311 million (voter approval required) |
| City of San Antonio contribution | Up to $489 million via bonds backed by state hotel revenues and downtown reinvestment zones |
| Seat capacity (expected) | 17,000–18,500 |
| Construction timeline | Up to 57 months; target by 2032–33 season |
| Annual community benefits | $2.5 million |
| Surrounding development | $1.4 billion total, $500 million initial phase required by opening |
Decision timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | Council vote on term sheet | Scheduled; pending council action |
| Prior to November (county election) | Push by some council members to advance negotiations | Reported council urgency |
| Up to 57 months after approvals | Design and construction period | Project timeline estimate |
| 13–15 years after opening | Planned major arena renovation window | Term sheet provision |
Funding breakdown visual
Council position snapshot
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Mayor Proposes Pause on Spurs Arena Funding Decision
San Antonio Mayor Urges Delay on Arena Funding Vote
Mayor Calls for Delay on Spurs Arena Funding Vote
San Antonio Mayor Calls for Economic Study on Arena Funding
San Antonio City Council to Vote on New Spurs Arena
San Antonio Council Prepares for Vote on Downtown Arena Project
San Antonio Spurs Invest Over $1 Billion in Project Marvel
San Antonio Seeks Community Input on Project Marvel
San Antonio Launches Community Forums for Project Marvel
Ron Nirenberg’s Emotional Farewell as San Antonio Mayor
Additional Resources
- Express News: New Spurs Arena Vote
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Spurs
- KSAT: City Council Spurs Arena Vote
- Google Search: San Antonio Spurs new arena
- Spectrum Local News: Spurs Arena Project
- Google Scholar: Spurs Arena Economic Impact
- iHeartRadio: Spurs Arena Plan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Spurs
- Fox San Antonio: New Spurs Arena Agreement
- Google News: San Antonio Spurs 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.
