SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio City Council approved a plan for a new downtown basketball arena for the San Antonio Spurs in a 7–4 vote.
The council authorized a non-binding agreement that includes approximately $489 million from the city’s budget toward the estimated $1.3 billion project.
The agreement, approved despite opposition from Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, outlines financial commitments and terms of use for the proposed arena, which would be owned by the city and maintained by the Spurs organization.
Under the agreement, the Spurs will remain in San Antonio through at least 2062.
A separate $311 million contribution from Bexar County, supported through a venue tax, will appear on the November 4 ballot. Voters will decide whether to approve that funding portion.
Mayor Jones had requested that the city’s financial share also be placed on a future ballot and called for an independent economic analysis. Both motions failed to gain support from the council.
Construction of the new arena is scheduled for completion in 2032. The facility is intended to serve as a multi-purpose venue capable of hosting sporting events, concerts, and other large gatherings.
District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo and others have raised questions about the broader economic impact of the project. Castillo has called for a formal analysis to examine the potential effects on city services and long-term fiscal responsibilities.
