The Cleveland Browns want $600 million from taxpayers. But a new bill says losing teams shouldn’t get a dime. Should your money go to teams that can’t win?
A Big Ask from a Losing Team
The Cleveland Browns had a tough season. They won only 3 games and lost 14. Still, the team wants $600 million in public money to help pay for a new $2.4 billion stadium in Brook Park.
The Browns say they’ll cover half the cost. But the other half—$1.2 billion—would come from taxpayers. That includes $600 million from the state and $600 million from local governments, like Cuyahoga County.
Some people are asking: Is that fair?
What the New Bill Would Do
State Senator Bill DeMora, a Democrat from Columbus, says no. He introduced the “Public Access to Professional Sports Act” to stop public money from going to teams that don’t win.
The bill says a team must have a winning record (.500 or better) in 3 of the past 5 seasons to get any public funds.
“If a team wants to get taxpayer money, then the least they can do is have a winning season,” said DeMora.
More Than Just Wins and Losses
The bill has more rules. If a team leaves the city it plays in, it must pay back all public funds. The money would be repaid over time, in a plan agreed on with the city.
Also, teams would need to report their performance and financial requests. This would help keep things open and honest for the public.
New teams would get a break—they wouldn’t have to meet the winning rule for their first 5 years. But after that, they would need to show they are competitive before asking for money.
Why It Matters: Are Stadium Deals a Good Use of Money?
This bill is not just about the Browns. It’s part of a bigger question:
Should public money go to help private sports teams—especially ones that don’t perform well?
In recent years, more cities have said no to big stadium deals. Some studies say these deals don’t help the local economy much. Teams often make threats to move to another city if they don’t get money. That’s what many Ohioans are tired of hearing.
“For too long, Ohioans have been held hostage by these professional sports teams and their billionaire owners,” said DeMora.
What About the Bengals?
The Cincinnati Bengals are also looking for money for their stadium. But unlike the Browns, the Bengals have had a winning record in 4 of the last 5 years. Under this new bill, they would qualify for public funding.
This shows that the bill doesn’t block all teams—it just sets a higher standard.
Will the Bill Become Law?
Probably not. The Ohio legislature is controlled by Republicans, and the bill is from a Democrat. That means it may not get far.
But DeMora says the bill still has value. He wants to send a message: if teams want your money, they need to earn it.
What Do Ohioans Think?
At a town hall in Hudson, Browns officials spoke about the new stadium. Many people came to speak out. They shared frustration and concerns about giving money to a team with a poor record and plans to move.
On social media and in communities, more people are asking:
Why are we paying so much for teams that don’t win?
Is It Time for a New Playbook?
This bill may not pass, but it could start a new conversation in Ohio. Should your tax dollars go to support teams that don’t perform and may even leave town?
Or is it time for sports teams to prove their worth before asking for money?