San Antonio Spurs' Schedule Reveals Expansion Plans
The San Antonio Spurs' schedule for the upcoming season is out, and it's a testament to the team's growing reach. With games in France and England, the Spurs will make a league-high 34 appearances on national TV. But what's more interesting is the team's decision to play three 'home' games in Austin.
The Spurs' CEO, RC Buford, issued a carefully worded statement after the schedule release. "San Antonio is home, and we're looking forward to bringing our community together while reaching audiences in Austin, Paris, and Manchester," he said. "We're excited for what this season will bring to our fans and proud to represent San Antonio and share the spirit, culture, and community that make our city special everywhere the Spurs take the court."
San Antonio has been the Spurs' home since 1973, but they will only play 36 regular-season games in the city this season due to their participation in the Global Games with international superstar Victor Wembanyama. The team has also added a third game in Austin early in the season, which coincides with a massive sports weekend in the Texas capital.
What's Behind the Austin Arena Deal?
The Spurs' decision to play games in Austin is part of a larger plan to expand their reach throughout Texas and abroad. The team has committed to contribute at least $500 million to the construction of a new arena in San Antonio, which will be the crown jewel of the larger Project Marvel downtown development plan. The arena is estimated to cost $1.3 billion, and the Spurs have agreed to cover any cost overruns for the arena development.
However, the city is facing a projected budget deficit over the next two years, which affects the infrastructure development components of Project Marvel. San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants residents to reauthorize the city's portion of arena funding this fall, and the deadline to add the issue to November's ballot is Monday. The San Antonio City Council will hold a meeting that morning to vote on whether to place the funding on the ballot or fall back on the council's previous approval of municipal bond funding.
What Comes Next?
Even if the council votes against adding the issue to the ballot, which various local reports say is expected, the project's term sheet stipulates that San Antonio residents must vote again on whether or not to issue city bonds for the first phase of construction. City spokesperson Brian Chasnoff told the San Antonio Current that the ballot structure for the bond program has not been determined and the city council will be briefed on the matter in September.
In response to Ortiz Jones' call for a new vote, Buford issued a statement last week that read in part, "The vote has taken place. The commitments have been made. The work is underway." There was widespread concern in San Antonio last fall that a failure to approve a new arena could open the door for the Spurs to relocate to Austin. But the team has maintained its commitment to San Antonio and framed its expansion into Austin as a plan to make the two cities one massive market.
The Spurs have a tough road ahead, but they're confident in their ability to make it work. As they take to the court in the upcoming season, they'll be looking to bring their fans together and make their mark on the basketball world. Last result: San Antonio Spurs 90-94 New York Knicks (2026-06-14). Recent form (last 5): 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first); lost the last 4.
