By Robert Haugh
After a 4.5-hour study session, Santa Clara residents learned that the six 2026 FIFA World Cup games played at Levi’s Stadium will lose money.
How much? The public still doesn’t know because major agreements still haven’t been released.
According to City staff, the Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) will receive revenues from the events and be responsible for costs. The BAHC was created by the 49ers and led by 49ers CEO Al Guido.
Guido negotiated the Host City Agreement with FIFA. Former City Attorney Brian Doyle documented in 2021 how Guido’s actions were a conflict of interest.
City staff reports that stadium rent of approximately $13 million will go to the BAHC.
According to a San Francisco Chronicle report, current City Attorney Glen Googins confidentially reported to the City Council in May that Santa Clara would lose approximately $38 million from the FIFA games even after accounting for the stadium rent.
Googins did not want to discuss the issue last night. He said he was focused on making sure the new agreements did not include conflicts like Guido’s.
The City staff also reported that the 49ers would provide revenue for the events if the BAHC falls short of fundraising to cover expenses.
The team’s commitment has not been finalized and will be presented in documents provided to the City Council for a January 28, 2025 meeting.
Mayor Lisa Gillmor said the public should have ample time to review documents since the “devil is in the details.”
Father, writer/editor/journalist (santaclaranews.org), wrestling promoter (www.wfcwrestling.com), motorsports marketing, 2q37 rare disease advocate! View all posts by rhaugh2154
Enter your email address to subscribe to Santa Clara News Online and receive notifications of new posts by email.
Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.
Continue reading
