The Washington Commanders are set to return to the nation’s capital after the D.C. Council approved a landmark deal for a new stadium at the former site of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium.
In a 9-3 decision that met the required two-thirds majority, the council greenlit plans for the franchise to build its new home where it enjoyed its greatest success. Although a final procedural vote is scheduled for September 17, sources confirm the team has been cleared to begin its preliminary work.
The agreement covers the development of a 174-acre property that will feature a domed stadium as its centerpiece, surrounded by a mixed-use complex with housing, retail, and a community sports facility.
“This is a historic moment,” said Commanders owner Josh Harris. “This project is about more than delivering a world-class stadium worthy of our players, fans and the region. It’s about revitalizing a critical part of our city, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking long-term economic benefits for the District.”
The vote concluded a nearly three-hour session, with cheers erupting from Mayor Muriel Bowser and her staff upon its passage.
“I remember the winning ways and it’s time to get back to that,” said council member Kenyon McDuffie. “This deal is important because it strengthens the opportunity for our residents and small businesses to participate in the economic growth that will occur.”
Under the terms of the deal, the Commanders will invest $2.7 billion in the stadium’s construction and cover any cost overruns, while the District will contribute $1 billion. The team aims for a 2030 opening, positioning it to host major events like the 2031 Women’s World Cup. Mayor Bowser has suggested construction could start as early as next year.
The return to the RFK site is a significant one for the franchise. The team played there from 1961 to 1996, a period that included three Super Bowl victories. Since moving to its current stadium in Landover, Maryland, in 1997, the team has had only eight winning seasons.
A D.C. return was considered a long shot just over two years ago. The path was cleared by a series of key events, including Dan Snyder’s sale of the team, its acquisition by Josh Harris in 2023, and a congressional act leasing the federal land to the District for 99 years.
Last-minute negotiations also produced more favorable terms for the city. Revised agreements are projected to generate approximately $779 million for Washington over 30 years from new revenue and cost savings. Additionally, an 18% tax on parking revenue will be used for stadium upkeep.
Proponents argued that the stadium project would create immediate jobs and deliver economic benefits six years earlier than a standalone mixed-use development, according to a council budget office study. While the Commanders will return to D.C. for games, the organization will maintain its training facility in Ashburn, Virginia, and headquarters in College Park, Maryland.
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