By Robert Haugh
Despite a $12 billion state deficit, California lawmakers quietly added $10 million to the state budget this week for 2026 World Cup matches in Santa Clara and Inglewood.
The move was uncovered by San Francisco Chronicle reporters Ron Kroichick and Lance Williams in a story yesterday. The money offers some financial relief to cover soaring costs at Levi’s Stadium. But it’s way short of anticipated expenses.
City Staff reported that hosting six World Cup matches could cost the city up to $50 million. FIFA is paying just $13 million to rent the stadium, leaving a projected deficit of at least $37 million.
Ironically, the state found the money while the Bay Area Host Committee, the group set up by the 49ers to raise private funds, is falling way short.
Measure J, passed by voters in 2010, prohibits Santa Clara from using public funds for stadium events. But since the 49ers control the City Council, they frequently get their way and skirt the law.
In February, the 49ers said they would cover any shortfall but only for “approved” costs that they considered legit.
That clause has critics worried that the team could dispute expenses and leave the city on the hook.
The 49ers’ “guarantee” was approved 5-2 by the 49er Five: Raj Chahal, Albert Gonzalez, Karen Hardy, Suds Jain, and Kevin Park.
They’ve all received millions in campaign support from the team.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor and Vice Mayor Kelly Cox opposed the deal, citing concerns over insufficient protections for Mission City taxpayers.
The Chronicle reports the 49ers and the Bay Area Host Committee lobbied hard for state money. But the $10 million will be split between Santa Clara and Inglewood, where SoFi Stadium will host eight matches.
That leaves Santa Clara with a fraction of what’s needed.
As Santa Clara braces for the world’s biggest sporting event, the financial risks remain high.
“And the beat goes on….and the beat goes on.”
Sonny and Cher never sounded so prophetic.
I guess this voting for our City Council thing might actually be important to our City. My suggestion is to maybe talk to your neighbors and let them know really just how bad this is….
If past actions are any indication of future actions, we really don’t need to even think about this any longer.
Santa Clara residents are taking all the financial risk yet receiving very little of the financial benefits.
Ok, so who is getting those benefits. Remember in any financial investigation…. all you really need to do is to just follow the money. My gut feeling is that somehow, somewhere, someway the 49ers and their Ownership group will be looking to take the biggest cut of this financial pie so to speak.
So what happens if it all goes wrong? How much are the 49ers and their Ownership group expected to pick up on their tab? Just curious.
“And the beat goes on…. and the beat goes on”
I want my City back! Tip to any other US Cities..if NFL comes knocking…. Run… just Run. You will never regret not doing business with this group of individuals.
“And the beat goes on…and the beat goes on”
Burt Field
Buchser 78′ Grad.
The team and city government better hope residents are not on the hook for any costs associated with World Cup or the Super Bowl. I personally will come looking to take my money back. Why we put up with crap like this i don’t know. These events generate so much revenue it is unfathomable that we are not getting our fair share of the proceeds. Why Santa Clara is not interested in charging a fee on all tickets sold is hard to understand.. Suds, Karen , Raj and Kevin have accomplished very little in their years on the council . The two new members of the council have not accomplished anything. I think we can expect more of the same going forward.
So it is too little, too late and with CA’s budget problems don’t count on the too little.