Santa Clara signs off on key FIFA World Cup contract, shifting financial risk to the Bay Area Host Committee

The Santa Clara City Council approved a crucial agreement for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, transferring financial risk from the City to the Bay Area Host Committee. The San Francisco 49ers will act as a financial backup should the nonprofit fail to cover costs. Despite the economic benefits typically associated with large events, organizers often face losses. Concerns were raised over compliance with Measure J, which protects taxpayer funds, leading to some dissent on the council. Nonetheless, officials assured that the contract incorporated measures to mitigate identified risks.

The agreement makes sense for an event projected to be a net loss; we identified these risks and mitigated them in the contract.

There are cracks in this agreement that open the door for our general fund. Taxpayer protections from Measure J must be adhered to.

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