New York – Subsidy Stadium

Buffalo is struggling to limit city leaders access to the luxury suites at the Bills new stadium

by William Neilson Jr.November 17, 2025January 15, 20260

Last year, the Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC playoff game. The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, billed taxpayers for almost $600 worth of wine and a total bill that day of $1923 and change. As the Buffalo News reported, it would eventually come out that taxpayers had paid “more than $6300” for the governor to attend four different games. According to the state and county, this luxury suite is “meant to boost economic development.” I wish someone would explain to me how this happens…in any way, shape, or form. The spokesman for the governor claimed, without laughing out loud, that when the governor attends a game in the luxury suite, she is “ensuring our state is competing at the highest levels to retain and attract the best businesses, grow our economy, and drive job creation.” Quotes like this are what make people hate politicians. Nobody actually believes this, but it allows that official to get out of harm’s way. Again, show us a single piece of evidence of any financial benefit actually formed from attending these games. Anything?

Arena

Years later, Columbus taxpayers continue to be used and abused by the Blue Jackets

by William Neilson Jr.July 3, 2025December 23, 20250

Just last year, the FCCFA spent $13.1 million in taxpayer money on arena projects such as a roof replacement, a cooling tower installation, a fire alarm system replacement and more. Yet if we come back to today, the FCCFA executive directory admits that recently released plans are “still being worked out” in negotiations that have involved the “team, its private partners and city, Franklin County and state officials”…just not the public. When asked by WOSU about the finances of these upgrades, the GM of the arena told them that the FCCFA was hopeful about the state of Ohio kicking in about $100 million for these upgrades. It is interesting how the GM proceeds to then say that the rest of the money would be provided through “some private funding”, yet then puts forward several scenarios where taxpayers would, in fact, be paying for the upgrades. At least casino revenues have come roaring back and can finally support the arena’s operating expenses, right? Well, no…in fact, casino taxes “have slowed, showing very little growth over the past couple of years”.

Stadium

Now that the Buffalo Bills have a new stadium, they want locals to please shut up and be happy with whatever the team gives them

by William Neilson Jr.March 17, 2025July 27, 20251

One of the local leaders who helped draft the CBA is now outright stating that the Buffalo Bills are going against what is found in the CBA. It is difficult to see how she isn’t correct here. The Bills would not stop talking about how much they would include the community when it comes to giving back to the area. Now? Shut up and take whatever it is that we give you. If the Bills think that these types of statements will allow them to invest more into the community, they have quite the surprise ahead of them.

Stadium

Barely a decade after the Minnesota Vikings got their new stadium, they want a yearly source of taxpayer money for whatever they desire

by William Neilson Jr.February 17, 2025July 27, 20251

All the economic activity promises made by the Minnesota Vikings, when they were negotiating for a new stadium, have been completely incorrect. The mayor of Minneapolis made a public spectacle of how the Vikings new stadium had “encouraged Wells Fargo to relocate 5,000 jobs” near the venue. The relocation of these employees preceded the announcement of the new stadium deal. Therefore, no new jobs were being created from the creation of this new stadium. The Governor of Minnesota, Mark Dayton, was very public in his support of getting something done with the Vikings. He touted the new stadium was the People’s Stadium. After the stadium agreements were signed and construction began, the Governor realized the Vikings owners’ minimal contribution to the stadium. He asked them to increase their personal stake, and they refused. He then asked the owners to please not price out normal fans who can’t afford insane PSL prices. They again refused. Be aware that the Vikings owners do not want you or anyone to bring up this topic to them.

Stadium

If Buffalo leaders want to party at a taxpayer-funded suite during Bills games, it must be kept secret from the public

by William Neilson Jr.December 24, 2024December 23, 20251

In 2022, the State of New York and Eric County agreed to give the Buffalo Bills over $1 billion dollars of taxpayer money. Some have called this agreement “one of the worst stadium deals in recent memory”. It is not difficult to see why this deal is disastrous for taxpayers. The State of New York and Eric County are giving the “largest taxpayer handout for a new stadium in U.S. history” and that doesn’t even…

Stadium

FIFA absurdity continues, this time they are milking New Jersey with no contract

by William Neilson Jr.November 26, 2024July 27, 20251

This is intentional. This is how FIFA operates. They do not want the public involved in anything apart from going to the matches and watching it on TV. This is why host cities do not tell their residents beforehand about the many millions that will be spent on upgrading their venues or enriching FIFA members who are attending the games. So, I shouldn’t be shocked when one day, I see New Jersey giving 25 million dollars of taxpayer money to upgrade MetLife for the World Cup. With zero public notice or involvement. Don’t forget about the additional $17 million dollars of taxpayer money that will also be flowing to MetLife Stadium for even more vague upgrades.

Ballpark

How many times will MLB threaten a minor league city and then walk back that threat when the deadline passes?

by William Neilson Jr.November 16, 2024January 15, 20260

Lately, we have seen virtually every minor league team tell their local jurisdictions that they require millions of taxpayer dollars for upgrades to their ballparks. They require it quickly too because Major League Baseball has given us a date…or else! This forced many cities to give money to the teams without much, if any, examination of the actual details. As Ballpark Digest noted in a story, this is why a number of minor league teams (Knoxville, Hillsboro, and Salt Lake City) got new ballparks. Who will pay for these upgrades or new ballparks?

Stadium

The new stadium for Buffalo’s new USL soccer team was promised to cost $15 million and built entirely with private funds

by William Neilson Jr.November 13, 2024December 23, 20252

Several days ago, Marlette spoke to the Buffalo Common Council’s Community Development Committee and again stated how excited they were to start soccer. He also reminded the city that he wants to see the new USL team playing during the 2026 season. But what really surprised me was when Marlette told the commission with a straight face that “there is a time crunch”. Time crunch? The city and state are waiting for the team to tell them basic things, and yet the team says there is a rush to this? How about the team tells us where the location of their stadium is? Or if they bought the land of their selected site? Have they broken ground on anything? Has the team even approached the city to have taxpayer money used for this unspecified project?

The absurdity of non-disclosure agreements, sports and taxpayer money

by William Neilson Jr.November 5, 2024January 15, 20262

The San Antonio Spurs want a new arena. That isn’t new or shocking news. But if you want actual news on this subject? Good luck. For the last year or so, the Spurs and city officials have kept every possible detail out of public view if it pertains to a new arena. No discussions. No interviews. Just silence. Now, will taxpayers end up paying quite a bit? Sure. But they won’t know about it until a deal is done first. How can this be legal? We are talking about taxpayer money. We are talking about city officials and negotiators…the people who are supposed to be on our side. Yet, the public has zero input on any part of giving someone or something several million, if not a billion, taxpayer dollars?

Yet another “historic” community benefits agreement…this time in Chattanooga

by William Neilson Jr.October 29, 2024January 15, 20261

In July, the Chattanooga Lookouts, a minor league baseball team, reached an agreement with the city to build a new ballpark. Although the price was originally going to be $79.5 million, the final price tag was actually $120 million. Not to worry, though, as the public contribution amount is capped at…$112 million? Ever since 2022, local groups in Chattanooga have been pressuring local officials to make sure that the community was represented whenever a community benefits agreement (CBA) was discussed.

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