• Loading stock data...
Friday, May 9, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

Three Votes Are About to Go Down That Could Shake Up Sports

  • Venue measures in Kansas City and Washington, plus a Disney board election, are set to happen in the coming days.
  • The stakes of the votes are enormous across facility development and sports media.
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

One of the most momentous times of the year thus far in the business of sports is now beginning, with three critical votes scheduled for this week that will carry significant impacts on pro sport venues in two major markets, as well as the future state of ESPN.

The events scheduled for this week include:

  • Missouri: a Tuesday ballot measure in Jackson County to provide stadium funding for the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. The pair of teams are seeking to implement a ⅜-cent sales tax for 40 years, with that money targeted toward a planned new Royals ballpark and renovations to Arrowhead Stadium. Despite the Chiefs’ current standing as two-time defending Super Bowl champion and the Royals a fixture in town for more than five decades, this issue has grown tense, with both teams saying they “will explore all options for where we will play come 2031” should a “no” vote prevail. Chiefs president Mark Donovan (above, right) said he is “cautiously optimistic” about a successful vote. But early voting has already been active, and the ballot measure ties directly into a long-running and often-emotional debate about the use of taxpayer funds for privately held pro sports teams.
  • Washington: a Tuesday vote by the D.C. council to approve $515 million in funding to renovate Capital One Arena and improve Washington’s Gallery Place neighborhood. This vote is far less in question, with council members, including chair Phil Mendelson, participating in the formal announcement of the deal and approval strongly expected. But the pact ties the Capitals and Wizards to the city until at least 2050, which formally reverses a prior plan to build a $2 billion arena and mixed-use development in Alexandria, Va., and is aimed at reinvigorating an arena area that had become beset with issues such as rising crime and open-air drug use. The renovation plan will also aim to upgrade the 27-year-old Capital One Arena and likely take some influences from large-scale projects at other middle-age venues such as Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.
  • Disney: a Wednesday virtual annual meeting by ESPN’s parent company that will include an election of company directors. Activist investor Nelson Peltz is seeking two board seats and is running on a platform of implementing a more aggressive course of action in the company’s transformation efforts. Despite opposition from Disney itself and numerous other key stakeholders such as Star Wars creator George Lucas and former CEO Michael Eisner, Peltz last week gained support from a second proxy advisory firm.  

The stakes across these votes are enormous, and will go a long way to settling such pressing matters as where the Chiefs and Royals will play their future home games, whether there is truly a limit to public-sector support for pro sports facilities, how sports and entertainment will happen long-term in the nation’s capital, how ESPN will go to market in a period of unprecedented media disruption, and who will succeed current Disney CEO Bob Iger. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.

DraftKings, FanDuel Interested in Sports ‘Prediction’ Markets

Sports betting giants are eyeing sports “prediction” markets.

Scott Van Pelt Would Welcome ESPN Adding More Golf Coverage

Van Pelt said golf has been “massive” for his broadcasting career.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) lines up for the tush push play on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.

Saquon Barkley Defends Tush Push, Tells Opponents to ‘Get Better’

Saquon Barkley makes a passionate defense for the hotly debated play.

Featured Today

Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
May 6, 2025

Before the Villanova Knicks, There Were the Kentucky Celtics

Three decades ago, Boston tried its own version of the college-teammate experiment.
Mar 22, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Joao Fonseca (BRZ) reacts after winning a point against Ugo Humbert (FRA)(not pictured) on day five of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium.
May 6, 2025

João Fonseca Is a Teen Tennis Phenom. His Parents Are Overseeing His..

The Brazilian is forgoing a management team in favor of his parents.
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.

Trump Gets Another Golf Win With Euro Tour’s Scottish Championship

Trump International Golf Links Scotland will host a tournament in August.
Sep 26, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; David Kohler on the second hole during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits.
May 5, 2025

Ryder Cup Comeback? Billionaire Owner Eyes Whistling Straits Return

The course has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA championships.
May 6, 2025

After Getting Sixers to Stay, Comcast Putting Its Own Name on Arena

Comcast will spotlight its mobile business at the South Philadelphia venue.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
April 30, 2025

Utah Hockey Capacity Set to Rise by 6,000—Literally

Hockey sight lines will be greatly improved at the downtown arena.
April 29, 2025

Will Commanders Get Their Stadium? Public Funding Hangs in Balance

The NFL team will have an uphill battle with skeptical council members.
April 28, 2025

London’s Big Sports Play: From NFL Games to Olympic Dreams

The English capital says it has already generated sizable returns from sports.
Rendering for Bridgestone Arena
April 22, 2025

Predators Unveil $650M Plan to Keep Pace With NHL’s Venue Race

The NHL team has big plans for the 28-year-old Nashville arena.