I simply don’t get it. Gateway representatives from Cuyahoga County and the city of Cleveland on the Gateway Economic Development Corp. are not denying Gateway’s obligation to pick up millions of dollars in projected renovation costs at Progressive Field and Rocket Arena, where the Cleveland Guardians and Cleveland Cavaliers play (“[Assessment calls for millions. Gateway has no way to pay](https://www.cleveland.com/news/2025/12/assessment-calls-for-millions-in-ballpark-arena-repairs-gateway-still-has-no-way-to-pay.html),” Dec. 18).
A quick look at some economic factors suggests this is a bad deal for taxpayers, who will be expected to make up the cost. Owners of both major league sports teams are considered billionaires in easily checked online sources. It takes minutes. The teams also show billion-dollar valuations.
Forbes magazine lists the Guardians as worth $1.4 billion. CNBC lists the Cavaliers at $4.3 billion. Dan Gilbert, Cavs owner, is listed on several such sites as worth $21 billion to $27 billion. Paul Dolan, principal Guardians owner, is worth $4.6 billion.
The rental costs of the two sports facilities for the teams, which pay no property tax on the publicly built facilities, should be raised to pay any rehab costs.
Roldo Bartimole,
Cleveland