Pro Athletes Beat Pittsburgh Jock Tax at State High Court (1)

Professional athletes convinced the Pennsylvania Supreme Court Thursday to strike down a tax the city of Pittsburgh imposed on visitors who earn money at public stadiums.

“The City does not provide concrete reasons that would justify taxing nonresident athletes and entertainers more than resident athletes and entertainers,” Justice David N. Wecht wrote for the unanimous court.

Pittsburgh asked the high court to overturn a 6-1 state appeals court opinion striking down the city’s 3% facilities fee for violating the state constitution’s uniformity clause.

The fee, which detractors call a “jock tax,” singles out income nonresident athletes and entertainers earn at ...