Stanford Professor Disputes $500M Super Bowl Economic Impact Claim

Top economist calls officials' figures 'almost a joke' as Santa Clara sees limited benefits from hosting the game.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A top Stanford economist has criticized claims that the Super Bowl brought $500 million in economic impact to California, calling the figures 'almost a joke'. Professor Roger Noll said many studies show a large portion of revenue 'leaks' out of the local economy, and the event also leads to 'crowding out' of regular tourists and locals. While the game was played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, that city is expected to see only $100-$160 million in benefits, of which it would recover just 7.1%. The true economic impact, whether positive or negative, is still to be fully determined.

Why it matters

The debate over the Super Bowl's economic impact highlights the challenges cities face in justifying the costs of hosting major sporting events. Critics argue the inflated figures used to promote these events often fail to account for factors like revenue 'leakage' and displacement of regular economic activity. This raises questions about whether the benefits outweigh the public investments required to host the Super Bowl and other mega-events.

The details

Professor Roger Noll, a top Stanford economist, said he did not believe the $500 million economic impact figure touted by officials. He argued that a large portion of hotel and car rental revenue 'leaks' out of the local economy, as profits flow to national chains based outside California. Noll also said the 'couch potato effect', where local restaurants lose diners to home viewing parties, and 'crowding out' of regular tourists and locals, are often overlooked in these estimates.

  • The Super Bowl LX was played on February 8, 2026 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The players

Roger Noll

A professor emeritus at Stanford University and a top economist who has criticized the claimed $500 million economic impact of the Super Bowl in California.

Jed York

The principal owner of the San Francisco 49ers, who claimed the Super Bowl generated $500 million in economic impact in the Bay Area.

Lisa Gillmor

The mayor of Santa Clara, who noted that 'the party's over, and we need to have our bills paid' in reference to the limited benefits her city received from hosting the Super Bowl.

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What they’re saying

“I just find them almost a joke because they're so non-serious.”

— Roger Noll, Professor Emeritus (The Mercury News)

“Over 100,000 room nights, countless events in the communities — we've donated close to $10 million back in the community just this week, and that's a part of the lasting impact.”

— Jed York, Principal Owner, San Francisco 49ers (The Mercury News)

“The party's over, and we need to have our bills paid.”

— Lisa Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara (The California Post)

What’s next

The City of Santa Clara is set to complete a detailed analysis of sales tax receipts later this year to further assess the true economic impact of hosting the Super Bowl.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the challenges cities face in justifying the costs of hosting major sporting events, as critics argue the inflated economic impact figures often fail to account for factors like revenue 'leakage' and displacement of regular economic activity. The limited benefits seen by Santa Clara, the host city, raise questions about whether the public investments required to host the Super Bowl are worthwhile.