The Abridged version:
- West Sacramento committed $1 billion toward funding a new stadium as part of a broader pitch to lure an MLB expansion team to the city.
- The city would incrementally pay the large figure over time using tax dollars generated from the ballpark and related revenues.
- About $800 million in land and equity investments have been committed in the region’s bid to secure an MLB team in West Sacramento.
The pitch from regional leaders to recruit a new Major League Baseball team to the Sacramento area centers around $1 billion from the city of West Sacramento, which officials said would help fund a new stadium near the riverfront.
Those selling West Sacramento as a suitable home for an MLB expansion team, should the league add two more teams by the end of the decade, touted the potential tax revenue and economic growth a professional team could drive for the city’s Bridge District.
But with $1 billion promised for the project, what would West Sacramento and Yolo County stand to gain from the deal?
“This is about creating energy and momentum with long term, year-round benefit to residents,” West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero said Thursday at a news conference announcing the region’s pitch.
What’s the return?
West Sacramento officials expect an MLB team and accompanying stadium would drive $1.77 billion in future revenue over 40 years. From that, $1 billion would go to funding the stadium, officials said, with the remaining $770 million available to fund schools, Yolo County services and special districts.
The $1 billion investment from West Sacramento would not affect the city’s general fund or require a taxpayer vote, Guerrero said.
“It would not impact the city’s general fund at all,” she said.
West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel said the city would pay the $1 billion over time and that it would come from the revenue generated by the stadium and in the riverfront district each year.
Additionally, added parking revenue and taxes from more hotel stays, and potentially more hotels being built, would also cover a portion of the $1 billion commitment, Laurel said.
He said the city would not take on debt to finance its role in the bid to secure a future MLB team.
What’s the region’s plan?
Regional leaders announced a formal campaign called “The Sacramento Pitch” to sell MLB decision-makers on choosing the West Sacramento site to add another franchise.
The local bid also includes $800 million invested through land and funding commitments.
Mark Friedman, whose development firm has spearheaded much of the growth in West Sacramento near Sutter Health Park, and the Sacramento Kings committed about $300 million in land and equity. The United Auburn Indian Community and Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians each committed $250 million.
Sacramento is reportedly competing against Nashville, Salt Lake City, Portland, Charlotte and other large markets for two potential spots in the league, which MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has said he wants to add by 2030.
Officials expect the league to choose one city from each coast for expansion.
Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento is in its second season hosting the Athletics, whose plans include relocating to a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028. The Triple-A River Cats have played at Sutter Health Park since 2000, and the minor-league club now shares its field with the A’s.
Daniel Hennessy joins Abridged from the California Local News Fellowship. He’s a reporter covering Yolo County. Ryan Lillis and Jake Goodrick contributed to this story.
Editor’s note: Mark Friedman is a Founding Supporter of Abridged by PBS KVIE.