Public Funds and Sports Relocation Dilemmas

This chapter examines the controversial debate over the Oakland Athletics' potential relocation, focusing on the flawed handling by local officials and the ethics of using public funds for private sports enterprises. The discussion highlights the tension between government spending on sports facilities and community welfare, weighing the intangible benefits of cultural initiatives against utilitarian governance. Through various examples, the chapter questions the role of government in enhancing public happiness while critiquing the effectiveness of stadium subsidies and urban investment strategies.