SALINA, Kan. — The Salina Liberty indoor football team is requesting $35,000 in public funds from the City of Salina for its 2026 season. If approved, this would mark the third consecutive year of city sponsorship, bringing total public support to $100,000 since 2023.
In October 2024, the City Commission approved the same $35,000 amount for the 2025 season, taken from the city’s contingency reserve. The vote passed 4–1, with Commissioners Mike Hoppock, Trent Davis, Greg Lenkiewicz, and Jerry Ivey in favor, and Commissioner Bill Longbine opposed.
Team co-owner Dan Mendicina spoke on behalf of the Liberty during the request. The team, which joined Arena Football One for the 2025 season, reports 225 active sponsors with contributions ranging from $500 to $7,000. The season runs from March through July.
Economic Impact and Oversight
City officials confirmed no independent economic impact study has been conducted on Liberty games. The only analysis provided came from Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research, which projected a benefit-cost ratio of 1.83 on a $30,000 investment—estimating a $54,900 return over ten years.
Interim City Manager Jacob Wood said the city relies on analysis provided to the Salina Community Economic Development Organization (SCEDO) rather than commissioning separate studies.
“The city does not hire another consultant to verify numbers that are provided to SCEDO,” Wood said. “The SCEDO makes recommendations for economic development incentives all the time using analysis provided by Wichita State.”
Wood emphasized that the Liberty’s funding is treated as a sponsorship, not a traditional economic development investment, and no formal accountability measures are tied to the funds.
“There is not an agreement with Salina Liberty that outlines any of these measures,” Wood said. “This funding is approved annually, and the city could decide to pull back at any time.”
The Liberty voluntarily provides an annual report to the city. As part of the sponsorship, city employees are eligible for complimentary tickets, distributed two per employee on a first-come, first-served basis.
Next Steps
The Salina Liberty Football request is part of the broader City of Salina budget process. A public hearing on the proposed 2026 city budget will be held on Monday, August 11, at 4:00 PM in Room 107 of the City/County Building, located at 300 West Ash Street. This hearing offers an opportunity for citizens to comment on how city funds are allocated, including potential sponsorship of Salina Liberty Football.
Editor’s Note:
According to the Wichita State study provided by Salina Liberty, a $30,000 investment yields a benefit-cost ratio of 1.83 over ten years. Larger contributions result in diminishing returns, with a $100,000 investment producing a BCR of 0.55. A $35,000 investment is projected to return approximately $64,050, assuming the team continues operations for the full decade. If the team or league disbands before then, those projected returns may not materialize.