The Ottawa Senators are actively pursuing a new arena, prompting significant debate over whether taxpayer money should finance such a venture. Reports indicate that the team has hired lobbyists to advocate for government funding at both the federal and provincial levels. This situation raises a critical question: why should a professional sports franchise seek financial support from taxpayers?

Historically, many Canadian teams have managed to finance their own facilities. For instance, the Montreal Canadiens built their arena in the 1990s entirely through private funds. Similarly, both the Toronto Raptors and the Vancouver Grizzlies financed their arenas without government assistance. Even the Senators, prior to their current situation, successfully funded the Canadian Tire Centre independently.

The Senators’ current valuation stands at nearly $1.4 billion, which is significantly higher than the team’s worth a decade ago. Given this substantial financial backing, the logic behind seeking taxpayer support appears questionable. If the Senators believe a new arena is necessary, it would be prudent for them to consider funding it through their own revenues, such as ticket sales, rather than relying on public money.

Government officials, including Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, face pressure to resist endorsing taxpayer-funded stadiums. Recent instances have shown the pitfalls of such financial arrangements. For example, the Calgary Flames secured $867 million in public funds for their new arena, while the Edmonton Oilers received over $300 million from taxpayers for the construction of Rogers Place. These examples highlight a growing trend where politicians justify significant public spending on sports facilities by promising economic benefits and job creation.

However, numerous studies argue that the economic impact of sports arenas is often overstated. Economists contend that these venues primarily redistribute existing economic activity rather than create new jobs and revenue streams. A notable case is that of Baltimore, where taxpayers invested over $200 million in Oriole Park at Camden Yards, only to see the stadium generate a mere $3 million annually in new jobs and tax revenues.

As the federal, provincial, and municipal governments grapple with rising debts—$1.35 trillion for the federal government, $459 billion for Ontario, and $3.5 billion for the City of Ottawa—taxpayers are already burdened with financial constraints. They do not need their beloved sports teams to further exacerbate these fiscal challenges.

Noah Jarvis, the Ontario Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, has articulated strong opposition to taxpayer-funded arenas, emphasizing the need for teams like the Senators to rely on their financial capabilities rather than public funds. As discussions progress regarding the Senators’ potential move to a new venue, it remains crucial for stakeholders to scrutinize the implications of public financing in the context of their broader economic responsibilities.

Ultimately, the Senators could demonstrate their commitment to the community by funding their new arena independently. Taxpayers should not bear the costs associated with a franchise valued at nearly $1.4 billion. As the dialogue continues, it is essential for both fans and government officials to remain vigilant against the normalization of public financing for professional sports facilities.