San Antonio Seeks Repayment from Spurs After Failed MLS Bid

Mayor says talks are progressing to recover over $2 million owed to the city.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer stadium scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of black, silver, and white colors representing the San Antonio Spurs team.The failed MLS bid has left San Antonio seeking repayment from the Spurs, a dispute that could impact community investments.San Antonio Today

Nearly a decade after San Antonio partnered with the Spurs on a bid to bring a Major League Soccer team to the city, officials say the Spurs' repayment tied to that effort is now long overdue — and the amount owed has grown to more than $2 million with interest. Negotiations began in 2015 when the city and county entered a public facility corporation, along with the Spurs, to purchase Toyota Field in hopes of obtaining a professional soccer team. After the deal was made, MLS said San Antonio's territory rights were sold off to another team owner, effectively ending the city's hopes of landing a team.

Why it matters

The repayment from the Spurs could help San Antonio address rising inflation and fund important community needs like street improvements and senior center upgrades. The city is determined to recover the money owed to ensure taxpayer resources are being used responsibly.

The details

Under the 2015 agreement, the Spurs were supposed to repay $5 million if a professional soccer team was not secured by 2021. The Spurs paid an initial $250,000 in 2021, but have missed $1.7 million worth of payments since then. With interest, the amount owed has climbed to more than $2 million. The county previously agreed to remove the reimbursement clause from the agreement in 2022, but the city never did.

  • In 2015, the city, county, and Spurs entered a public facility corporation to purchase Toyota Field and bid for an MLS team.
  • By 2021, the MLS bid was unsuccessful, triggering the $5 million repayment clause.
  • The Spurs paid $250,000 in 2021 but have missed $1.7 million in payments since then.
  • In 2022, the county agreed to remove the reimbursement clause, but the city did not.

The players

Gina Ortiz Jones

The mayor of San Antonio who is glad negotiations are progressing to recover the money owed to the city.

Spurs Sports and Entertainment Group

The organization that partnered with San Antonio on the failed MLS bid and is now in discussions to reach an agreement on the repayment.

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What’s next

The city attorney and city manager are working with the Spurs to ensure an agreement can be reached on the repayment.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of accountability and responsible use of taxpayer resources, even in high-profile sports partnerships. The city is determined to recover the money owed to support critical community needs, demonstrating its commitment to fiscal prudence.