Dallas Cowboys: Financing a New Stadium

In 2003, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys football team wanted to build a new stadium complex. The team’s existing stadium was aging, and a new stadium offered enhanced revenue potential for one of the NFL’s premier teams. The team wanted taxpayer assistance in financing the stadium, and the state legislature voted to put the matter to voters. The case discusses the arguments for and against taxpayer financing of sports facilities and the economics of professional football teams. It raises the question of how the Cowboys can persuade the public to support their plan, as well as what alternatives the team should consider if voters reject the proposal.