Research has shown that stadiums often provide minimal economic benefits to the communities that host them, yet they continue to receive significant public funding. Despite this, many new NFL stadiums are being built with substantial taxpayer support. The Buffalo Bills will host their 2026 season opener at the newly constructed Highmark Stadium, one of six new NFL venues set to open over the next six years. Other teams, like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos, are also planning new stadiums, with costs averaging over $1 billion per project. In total, public funding for these stadiums is expected to reach nearly $5.74 billion. Economists have long criticized the financial arrangements behind these stadium projects. When the Bills' new stadium was announced in 2022, it was estimated that New York and Erie County taxpayers would cover $850 million of the cost — a sum that many experts considered a poor investment. This figure pales in comparison to the $1.8 billion the Kansas City Chiefs received from Kansas taxpayers for their new stadium. Despite repeated studies showing that stadiums rarely lead to long-term economic growth, public funding for these projects continues to rise. The reasons for this trend are complex. While many existing stadiums are still in good condition and could last for decades, teams often push for new facilities when their leases with local governments expire. This creates a cycle where teams seek public funding to build newer, more expensive stadiums, which can include luxury amenities like private clubs, climate-controlled spaces, and high-tech features. These upgrades are often more lavish when public funds are involved because the financial burden is shared, allowing teams to design more extravagant facilities without shouldering the full cost. Despite public skepticism, many stadium funding proposals are approved by elected officials rather than voters. When referendums have been put to the public, they have often failed. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs' request to renovate their stadium was defeated in a 2024 vote. However, when decisions are made behind closed doors by local legislatures, support tends to be much higher. Teams often lobby lawmakers, offering perks like tickets and access to exclusive events, which may influence their decisions. As a result, the majority of stadium funding proposals are approved without direct public input, raising questions about the balance between public interest and political influence.