The NFL’s Washington Commanders and the District of Columbia have reached a preliminary $4 billion agreement to construct a new stadium at the site of the team’s former home, the old RFK Stadium. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D, and the team announced the deal Monday, April 28, although the plan will still require approval from the D.C. Council before proceeding.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Commanders back home to the Sports Capital. We said that we could do it all — Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more — and, together, that’s what we are delivering,” Bowser said.
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What has been happening with the RFK Stadium site?
The RFK Stadium site, currently undergoing a demolition process expected to take up to two years, has been the subject of debate since the stadium closed in 2017. Advocacy group “Homes Not Stadiums” pushed for the land to be used for affordable housing instead of a new sports facility and earlier in April launched a ballot initiative aimed at blocking a stadium deal.
How did federal legislation play a role in the project?
Efforts to bring the Commanders back to the district have involved key figures, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who lobbied Congress to pass legislation transferring control of the RFK site from the federal government to the district. The legislation was signed into law earlier this year by former President Joe Biden.
What are the financial terms of this agreement?
Under the proposed deal, the Commanders would invest at least $2.7 billion toward the upcoming stadium project, while the district would allocate approximately $1.1 billion over the next eight years for both the stadium and infrastructure improvements in the surrounding area, including the redevelopment of a sportsplex, housing and other venues nearby.
Why do the Commanders want a new stadium?
The Commanders’ search for another stadium site accelerated after a new ownership group, led by Josh Harris, acquired the team from former owner Dan Snyder in July 2023. Sites in Washington, Virginia and Maryland were also under consideration.
“Working hand-in-hand with District and community leaders, we’re focused on delivering an incredible home for our players and fans, creating a landmark venue that reflects the pride of our nation’s capital, and sparking a new era of economic opportunity across the DMV,” Harris said. “RFK was once a place our fans loved, and opponents feared — we’re determined to make it that way again.”
What happens next?
The team’s current lease at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, runs through 2027. Harris previously indicated that 2030 is a “reasonable target” for the opening of a new stadium.
