• Loading stock data...
Friday, October 17, 2025

Cleveland Countersues Browns As Stadium Dispute Escalates

The Browns are trying to leave their downtown stadium for a $2.4 billion dome in the suburbs. Legal fights are already breaking out.

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs the ball while looking for a receiver against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

The contentious situation surrounding plans for a new Browns stadium has escalated to the point that the NFL franchise and the city of Cleveland are suing each other over where the team will call home.

This week, the city filed a lawsuit in Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, seeking to enforce the Modell Law, which states 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. The city had previously sent a formal notice to the team announcing its intent.

In October, the Browns kicked off the legal fight by filing a federal lawsuit against the city of Cleveland, seeking clarity about the Modell Law, colloquially named for late former Browns owner Art Modell.

Now, the countersuits will play out as the Browns push forward with their desire to abandon their downtown open-air stadium and build a $2.4 billion dome in suburban Brook Park. That plan has already received pushback from local officials, and the team will have issues getting its wish of roughly $1.2 billion in public funding.

Earlier this month, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, who own the Browns, officially executed a clause to purchase 176 acres of land in Brook Park, where they intend to build the stadium complex.

Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb has previously said that he and his staff would be ready to reengage talks with the Haslams about stadium options downtown if they change their minds. “Our door is not closed,” Bibb said.

The Deshaun Dilemma 

The Browns are heading into the offseason with the second overall pick in April’s NFL Draft (along with eight more picks), but a complicated and expensive situation surrounding quarterback Deshaun Watson. 

The 29-year-old, who signed a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract in 2022, recently re-ruptured his Achilles after tearing it during the season. He’s also coming off a third straight disappointing season in Cleveland and is still owed $92 million over the next two years. Watson led the NFL in passing in 2020 with 4,823 yards. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Hansi Flick

Barcelona Players, Coach ‘Not Happy’ About Miami Game

La Liga is on the verge of relocating a December match.

Steelers’ Shared Stadium With Pitt Comes Under Fire for Bad Turf

The conditions at Acrisure Stadium have been subpar this season.

Bears Hit Another Speed Bump for New $5B Stadium in Suburbs

A new state bill would impose several conditions on the NFL team.

Featured Today

May 25, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Derek Jeter walks the red carpet on Sunday, May 25, 2025, ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

The Players’ Tribune Is Still Kicking 11 Years Later

Founder Derek Jeter is still closely involved in the publication.
Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with her teammates after her last second shot to take the lead 90-88 against the Phoenix Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Oct. 8, 2025.
exclusive
October 10, 2025

Standoff Over WNBA’s Future Has Dominated Finals

CBA negotiations have stolen the spotlight from the Aces’ dominant performance.
Paul Cartier
October 5, 2025

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.

Browns, Cleveland Reach $100M Deal to Clear Team’s Move to Suburbs

The surprise truce includes financial payments and the dismissal of lawsuits.
October 7, 2025

Rays Owner Eyes New ‘Forever Home’ Like Atlanta’s Battery

The club’s new owners target a new ballpark opening in 2029.
Nov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of a Cleveland Browns helmet on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome.
October 7, 2025

Cleveland Takes New Shot at Blocking Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

A new lawsuit challenges a permit for the NFL team’s planned stadium.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Sep 23, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars forward Adam Erne (76) looks on during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Dallas Stars Eyeing Possible Move to Plano in 2031

The team needs to figure out where they’ll play starting in 2031.
Chicago Bears stadium rendering
October 1, 2025

Bears Want $855M in Public Money for Suburban Stadium

The NFL team details an updated ask for public money.
September 29, 2025

A’s Unveil Sacramento Jerseys As Vegas Development Advances

The club unveils an alternate “Sacramento” jersey as Las Vegas plans advance.
Sep 28, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Cam Hart (20) breaks up a pass intended for New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Nabers was carted off the field with an injury after the play.
September 29, 2025

Malik Nabers’s Torn ACL Rekindles NFL’s Grass vs. Turf Debate

The Giants star tore his ACL on MetLife Stadium’s artificial surface.