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Newly released emails and texts show that San Antonio Spurs officials have repeatedly reached out to Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and other Austin city leaders to establish relationships.
The communications were obtained by KSAT-TV and show that Spurs officials have been quietly cultivating relationships in Austin, just as San Antonio voters are deciding whether to help fund a new Spurs arena.
The text and emails from 2023 and 2024 show Spurs officials contacting Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and his staff, along with several Austin City Council members.
The Spurs have made efforts to widen their fan base, including playing two regular season games each year in Austin since 2023.
Spurs officials have denied rumors that they would consider moving the team if voters reject 300 million dollars in hotel and car rental taxes for the proposed arena.
A spokesperson from Austin's Mayor Watson said, "Our office has never been in conversation with anyone in the Spurs office about this. We are not involved.”
A representative from the Spurs responded with an email statement on Thursday:
"The emails referenced were invitations to events during our Austin games 18 months ago, in March 2024. Like many professional teams, we routinely host community leaders, officials and partners when we play outside of San Antonio, including recent events in Austin, Mexico City and Paris. These gatherings are about celebrating the Spurs, building relationships and thanking those fans and supporters. They are not connected in any way to relocation.
The Spurs are proud to call San Antonio home. That has been true for more than 50 years, and it remains true today as we continue to invest in this community and in its future."
Early voting begins on Oct. 20 for the Nov. 4 election on the propositions.
