Asked 2026-04-22 · Answered 2026-05-27
Why is Arlington paying $273M to keep the Cowboys?
Arlington City Council voted to commit up to $273M for AT&T Stadium upgrades to extend the Cowboys' lease through 2055 (the current lease ends 2038). The team contributes at least $750M. The city's share is funded by venue-tax revenue from the 2004 Cowboys Complex Project and the 2016 Rangers Complex Project — both have overperformed expectations. The council's case: the Cowboys generate ~$324M annually for Arlington. The dissenting case (Council members Bowie Hogg + Nikkie Hunter): voters should have had a direct say. Source: Fort Worth Report, KERA, WFAA.
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