Nevada Judge Rejects Ballot Initiative to Repeal Public Funding for Las Vegas MLB Stadium

A recent legal battle over the financing of a new Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Las Vegas has taken an unexpected turn. In a ruling that has caught the attention of sports enthusiasts and legal experts, a Nevada judge has deemed a ballot referendum petition 'legally deficient,' effectively blocking attempts to repeal public funding for the ambitious project.

The ballot initiative, spearheaded by the "Schools Over Stadiums" political action committee (PAC) and challenged by the teacher union, sought to pose a crucial question to the voters: Should $380 million in public financing be approved or rejected for the construction of a $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat stadium on the famed Las Vegas Strip? This stadium is intended to become the new home for the relocated Oakland A's.

During the court hearing, Judge Russell emphasized that the core issue revolved around adhering to state laws governing the referendum process. He pointed out a critical shortcoming in the petition – its unclear description of the measure's effect. Moreover, Russell stated that the referendum petition failed to meet legal standards because it did not provide the full text of the measure when collecting the required signatures, as mandated by the Nevada Constitution.

This ruling leaves the "Schools Over Stadiums" PAC with two options: either submit a new referendum petition or appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. However, any signatures gathered under the rejected petition would be invalidated, creating a significant setback.

The representatives of the PAC have expressed their determination to continue the legal battle. Chris Daly of the Nevada State Education Association, the teachers' union sponsoring the petition, affirmed their intent to appeal to the Supreme Court or refile their petition, signaling a continued fight against public funding for the stadium.

The rejected petition's success would not have halted the Oakland A's relocation to Las Vegas. Instead, it would have increased team owner John Fisher's share of the stadium costs, which currently stands at $1.1 billion.

In October, reports surfaced suggesting that Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), a real estate investment trust, might augment its investment in the Las Vegas baseball stadium. The $1.5 billion project, endorsed by the Nevada government, has already received $175 million from GLPI.

Meanwhile, Major League Baseball (MLB) owners are set to decide on the A's planned move during their upcoming winter meetings in Arlington, Texas. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had earlier underscored the importance of the referendum's outcome, emphasizing the potential significance of any unfavorable developments related to the referendum.

The new MLB stadium, to be constructed on the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas casino, is scheduled for demolition in late 2024. The stadium, primarily funded by the Oakland A's with an approximate cost of $400 million, aims to be ready for the 2028 season.