SAN ANTONIO — Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is asking San Antonio voters to weigh in on the city’s $489 million contribution to a proposed Spurs arena, urging the City Council to place a referendum on the November ballot.
Jones made the proposal Friday in a memo to the City Council, City Manager Erik Walsh and City Attorney Andy Segovia. She said a November vote would allow residents to decide whether the city’s negotiated terms, including $75 million in community benefits promised by Spurs Sports & Entertainment, justify the public contribution.
“November would allow city voters to vote clearly informed by what they are paying, what they are receiving in return and whether the latter is good enough,” Jones wrote.
The proposed $1.3 billion arena forms a central part of Project Marvel, the city’s planned downtown sports and entertainment district. Under the existing funding framework, Bexar County would contribute $311 million, the city $489 million and the Spurs $500 million. The team would also cover cost overruns.
Bexar County voters approved the county’s contribution in November 2025, with 52.14% voting in favor of Proposition B. The city contribution did not require voter approval.
Jones has repeatedly called for the city to secure stronger terms from the Spurs, including a revenue-sharing agreement. She also cited the city’s financial challenges in her memo, including a projected $157.7 million budget deficit, lower-than-expected 2027 bond capacity and the possibility of a property tax increase.
The City Council approved a term sheet outlining the arena funding framework in August 2025 on a 7-4 vote. Jones voted against the agreement, saying she wanted more time and an independent economic study.
Council members Ric Galvan, Teri Castillo and then-interim Council member Leo Castillo-Anguiano also opposed the term sheet.
Jones remained the only council member to vote against two Project Marvel planning contracts in May 2026.
The city must meet an Aug. 17 deadline to place measures on the November ballot. It remains unclear whether a referendum would affect the arena project’s timeline or ongoing negotiations.
Several council members have opposed Jones’ proposal.
District 10 Councilwoman Marc Whyte called the proposed referendum “ridiculous” and said the council and voters have already addressed the funding framework.
“We’ve already had a public debate and vote,” Whyte told KENS 5. “No need to spend taxpayer dollars to do it again.”
District 9 Councilwoman Misty Spears also opposed the proposal, saying the city should respect voters’ previous decision and move forward with the project.
District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, however, said his office supports giving residents a voice on the arena project.
The city would finance its $489 million contribution through future lease payments from the Spurs on the city-owned arena, incremental property tax growth in the downtown area and Project Finance Zone funds.
Spurs Sports & Entertainment declined to issue a public statement. The organization has held community workshops in recent weeks to gather public input on the project.
