A proposed ballot referendum petition aimed at repealing public funding for a new Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Las Vegas has been rejected by a Carson City judge. 

Nevada Judge Deems A’s Stadium Ballot Initiative ‘Legally Deficient’

The ballot initiative, challenged by the teacher union-led political action committee (PAC) known as “Schools Over Stadiums,” sought to ask voters whether to approve or reject $380 million in public financing for a $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, intended to be the new home for the relocated Oakland A’s.

During the hearing, Judge Russell emphasized that the issue at hand was the adherence to state law governing the referendum process, reported The Nevada Independent. He pointed out that the petition’s description of the measure’s effect was unclear. Russell further stated that the referendum petition was legally deficient because it did not provide the full text of the measure when gathering necessary signatures, as mandated by the Nevada Constitution.

The ruling means that the “Schools Over Stadiums” PAC can either submit a new referendum petition or appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. However, any signatures gathered under the rejected petition would be invalidated.

Representatives from the PAC expressed their intention to appeal the decision, indicating their resolve to continue the legal battle. Chris Daly of the Nevada State Education Association, the teachers’ union sponsoring the petition, stated that it seemed they would have to appeal to the Supreme Court or refile their petition.

MLB Owners Await A’s Relocation Decision Amidst Stadium Funding Concerns

The rejected petition, if successful, would not have prevented the A’s from relocating to Las Vegas. Instead, it would have increased team owner John Fisher’s share of the stadium costs, currently standing at $1.1 billion.

In October it emerged that Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), a real estate investment trust, is reportedly considering increasing its investment in the Las Vegas baseball stadium to be built on the site of Tropicana Las Vegas. The $1.5 billion project, supported by the Nevada government, has received $175 million from GLPI.

Meanwhile, MLB owners are expected to approve the A’s planned move during their upcoming winter meetings in Arlington, Texas. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had previously emphasized the significance of the referendum’s outcome, indicating that any adverse development related to the referendum would be of great importance.

The new MLB stadium will be constructed on the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas casino, which shall have to be demolished as soon as late 2024. The stadium, primarily funded by the Oakland A’s with a cost of around $400 million, aims to be ready for the 2028 season.

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