Even in our politically divided times, there are a few things most people can still agree are good and appropriate uses of public funds. Usually, these revolve around physical infrastructure: roads, bridges, public schools, libraries, and so on. Simultaneously, sports remain effective catalysts for bringing communities together and building civic pride in a city and state, as we’ve just seen with the massive outpouring of joy over the New York Knicks’ championship run. Sports are not, however, social services, and despite what the teams and owners keep claiming, the stadiums they play in provide few tangible returns for the average taxpayer.

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