The Commanders are pursuing a return to the nation’s capital, however the D.C. Council is unlikely to approve a $3.7 billion deal championed by Mayor Muriel Bowser before a July 15 deadline, in keeping with Jenny Gathright of The Washington Post.
In January, former President Joe Biden signed into law a bill that transferred control of RFK Stadium – the franchise’s home from 1961 to 1996 – and the 170-acre property on which it sits to Washington, D.C. The bill also empowered Bowser to barter with the Commanders to bring them back to the town, which resulted in a term sheet that requires a council vote by July 15. If the deal is just not approved by then – or if the terms are altered “materially” – the town will now not have exclusive negotiating rights with the team, per Gathright. That will allow the Commanders to explore alternative options for his or her future stadium, whether it’s a continued stay in Landover or one other location within the D.C. metropolitan area.
Members of the D.C. Council have requested more information concerning the deal regarding revenue projections and tax exemptions, arguing that the dimensions of the deal – which incorporates $1 billion in public funds – merits a more careful approach. They’ve also suggested changes to the stadium’s parking, rent, and labor agreements. Compiling this information and negotiating the proposed alterations are all but certain to delay the deal’s approval until after the July 15 deadline.
Bowser said in June that the Commanders were “outraged” and “blindsided” by the potential delay, because it could interfere with the team’s “very, very specific timelines” regarding construction. In a press release (via Gathright), the Commanders said that they “need a brand new home by 2030” and warned that further setbacks could threaten that goal in addition to their desire to host other major events, reminiscent of the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Indeed, the council scheduled public hearings on July 29 and 30, per Liam Griffin of The Washington Times, essentially guaranteeing that the town won’t hit the Commanders’ deadline. Bowser said last week (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk) that her level of concern was a 4 out of 5 last week, though council members have expressed confidence within the Commanders’ desire to return to Washington. Team owner Josh Harris has made it clear on multiple occasions that his intention when he bought the team in 2023 was to bring it back to the town for which it is known as. Nonetheless, it could not be surprising if the Commanders looked into other locations within the meantime, each to present them leverage as they proceed working with D.C. and to make sure they’ve another choice for a future home if their preferred plan falls through.