Why Chicago Should Rethink **Funding New Stadiums** for Wealthy Sports Owners, According to a Tax Policy Analyst
While Chicago White Sox players are gearing up for next season, the team’s management and city officials are tackling a larger concern: the future of Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox are contemplating requesting taxpayer funding to either renovate or construct a new stadium.
Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has shown interest in keeping the team in the city, suggests any stadium investment would serve the public good, arguing that such projects act as economic catalysts for local areas. This argument is a common justification when sports teams seek public subsidies. Johnson is also advocating for the Bears’ proposal for a publicly funded new lakefront stadium.
Despite these claims, the long-term value of such projects to the broader public remains highly debatable, as the cost often outweighs the benefits. With taxpayer dollars at stake, Chicago and Illinois must carefully weigh the economic impact of subsidizing new sports stadiums for affluent team owners.
This is a preview of our full op-ed originally published in The Chicago Sun Times.
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