• Loading stock data...
Thursday, January 23, 2025

Privately Financed

FC Cincinnati Stadium
Photo Credit: Amanda Rossmann via Imagn Content Services, LLC
As MLS expands, teams are moving away from the publicly-financed stadium route. There are currently seven teams developing privately-financed homes worth a collective $2.85 billion.

Teams and owners taking on the onus of these major projects is likely a relief to communities that have offered up billions of dollars for new MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL arenas the past several decades, and in some cases shown regret since. Cincinnati, for example, shelled out $1.2 billion in taxpayer money for the homes of the Reds and Bengals, while FC Cincinnati is instead privately financing its new $250 million stadium.

“It’s a different political economy from what it was a few decades ago. Cities are willing to say, ‘We’re not going to build that stadium for you,’” Brookings Institution Metropolitan Policy Program fellow Adie Tomer told the New York Times. The public dollars aiding billionaires in building stadiums only helped create “wealthy individuals faster than we’re creating sports teams,” Tomer added.

After the Columbus Crew opened a $34 million stadium in 1999, another 19 MLS stadiums with a total cost of $4.2 billion were built in the ensuing 20 years. More than half of those came with “substantial amounts of public support.”

Stadiums in the works: 

  • Austin F.C. – $260 million stadium and a $45 million training center
  • Columbus Crew S.C. – $300 million
  • F.C. Cincinnati – $250 million
  • Inter Miami C.F. – $60 million training facility and a stadium as a piece of a $1 billion development
  • Nashville SC – More than $325 million
  • Sacramento FC – $252 million
  • St. Louis – $400 million

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Premier League Clubs Claim 14 of Top 30 Revenues, but Real Madrid..

Real Madrid becomes the first club to surpass €1 billion in annual revenue.

Amateurism Dilemma on Full Display at the College Football Playoff

The sport has never looked or operated more like a pro league.
Grant House and about 50 former and current athletes met at the College Football Playoff to discuss organizing efforts.

Players at the CFP Championship Are Talking About Unionizing

“It’s really just about our voices being heard,” one player said.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard (13) celebrates with fans after winning a game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in first round of the College Football Playoff on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, in South Bend. Notre Dame defeated Indiana 27-17.

CFP Executive Director: More On-Campus Games Are a Possibility

FBS commissioners will discuss more CFP games o campus in the future.

Featured Today

Jeremiah Smith

Ohio State’s Title Isn’t As Simple As $20 Million in NIL

Three lessons from the Buckeyes’ title beyond “pay the best players.”
January 22, 2025

Can Upstart Sports Leagues Beat the Grim Start-Up Odds?

Investors think they can buck the massive failure rate of new enterprises.
January 19, 2025

Unrivaled’s Impeccable Timing Pressures WNBA to Give Players More

The league could “blow the lid off” the business of women’s sports.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Riley Leonard and running back Jeremiah Love celebrate a touchdown during the first half of a game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the first round of the College Football Playoff.
January 17, 2025

Notre Dame Found a Title-Worthy NIL Formula. Now It Has to Pivot

Its title run was buoyed by a collective that no longer exists.
FIFA

Saudis Awarded 2034 World Cup in Uncontested Vote

Saudi Arabia was the only option after Australia decided not to bid.
May 20, 2024

Top Sports Business Jobs This Week (May 2024)

Each week, our staff combs through the thousands of job listings from…
The stands at the Solheim Cup
September 13, 2024

LPGA Apologizes for Solheim Cup Fan Bus Debacle That Left Stands Half-Empty

The USA-Europe women’s team golf event teed off Friday morning.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
October 3, 2022

Real Madrid President Renews Call for Super League

Real Madrid’s president believes that soccer is losing ground.
August 10, 2022

PGA Tour Touts Projected Earnings to Keep Players

The PGA Tour is asking its players to consider their potential futures.
August 10, 2022

Bayern Munich to Make Growth Push in U.S. Market

Bayern Munich is looking to expand its reach in the U.S.
Nintendo-logo
August 3, 2022

Nintendo Profits Underwhelm, Switch Sales Decline

Nintendo failed to meet expectations in the company’s latest earnings report.