NFL in San Antonio

The NFL, which is arguably the most lucrative sports league in the world, would bring San Antonio recognition that would be hard to quantify in terms of money. The local economy would be enhanced, as people from around the world flocked to San Antonio to watch live NFL action.

San Antonio has shown the ability to draw fans to the games and the corporate growth of the city has matured to the point that it is now able support a team financially. Tom Benson, the owner of the Saints, has ties to San Antonio and would be loyal to the city if he were to relocate.

To bring the NFL to San Antonio, the city would have to either renovate the Alamodome or build a new football stadium. The cost of either project could be well in excess of $100 million, with the new stadium potentially costing taxpayers closer to $1 billion.

Many San Antonians would rather see that money be spent in other areas of need, namely education and crime fighting. And while San Antonio can compare to Dallas and Houston in terms of city population, the average income in San Antonio households is decidedly lower.

Some NFL officials have openly wondered whether San Antonio’s TV market, which ranks only 37th in the nation, is big enough to consider giving the city a franchise.

While the Saints are drawing well in New Orleans, there continues to be whispers that Louisiana might not be the team’s long-term home. However, the NFL has been steadfast in its support of New Orleans and seems to want to keep the Saints where they are.

Even if the Saints do move, San Antonio isn’t the automatic destination. The Los Angeles area is still without an NFL team, and that is a much larger and potentially more desirable location than San Antonio. Las Vegas is another city that might be looked at before San Antonio.

Local leaders and the citizens of San Antonio will continue to clamor for an NFL team, but as it stands the prospect of brining a franchise to San Antonio remains a long shot.