Browns Land Buy Fuels Stadium Plan As Cleveland Pushes Back

The battle between Cleveland and the Browns over the city’s intent to invoke Ohio’s “Modell Law” and keep the team from relocating to the suburbs is likely just beginning. Team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, however, are still moving forward with their ambitious plans to build a $2.4 billion domed stadium and mixed-use development.

The Haslams officially executed a clause Thursday to purchase 176 acres of land in Brook Park, Ohio, where they intend to build the stadium complex. The move arrived just three days after the city sent a formal notice regarding the Modell Law—named for late former Browns owner Art Modell—stating that a pro team in Ohio playing in a publicly supported stadium cannot move without giving the city in question six months’ notice and an opportunity to buy the franchise. 

Together, the two moves further show how divided the team and city leaders are on the Brook Park proposal. The Browns have already sued the city, seeking to have the Modell Law ruled unconstitutional, while mayor Justin Bibb is just as determined to protect Cleveland’s rights. The Haslams, however, made no reference to that ongoing dispute in its announcement of the land acquisition, and instead have also made several other related moves—including naming a development partner and an architect for the project as they proceed toward a planned 2029 opening. 

“While work remains with our public partners on the project, this is a key step in our efforts to create a responsible, long-term stadium solution that delivers a world-class experience for our fans, attracts more large-scale events for our region, and positively impacts our local economy,” Haslam Sports Group COO Dave Jenkins said in a statement regarding the land deal. 

The Browns have not finalized a financing plan for the effort, but have said they intend to have the public sector cover half the development costs.