• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Washington, D.C., is no stranger to big political fights over stadium and arena funding. That’s again the case as deliberation continues about the Commanders.

Imagn Images

As temperatures rise in Washington, D.C., so, too, do political tensions over the Commanders’ bid to build a $3.8 billion domed stadium on the grounds of their former home, RFK Stadium. 

The euphoric feelings that existed less than three months ago, when the Commanders and owner Josh Harris first unveiled their plan to return to the District, have given way to frustration and doubt. Already facing an uphill climb to secure sufficient D.C. Council support for more than $1 billion in public funding for the project, Mayor Muriel Bowser is now sounding alarms about a potential collapse of the deal. 

“I think that everybody should be treating this urgently,” Bowser said on WTEM-AM. “Nobody should have the nonchalance that I’ve heard from some, the ‘Oh, what’s a month? What’s two months? What’s three months?’ I think it introduces a level of uncertainty and risk that’s intolerable for most business organizations.”

Asked on the radio show to rate her worry about the Commanders’ deal on a scale of zero for “not concerned” to five being “very concerned,” she answered with a four.

“When you’re a big-city mayor, you’re concerned about everything—I’ll put it at a four,” she said.

Bigger Issues

Core to the dispute is a decision last week by the council and its chair, Phil Mendelson, to separate consideration of the Commanders’ funding from a broader deliberation of the upcoming D.C. budget. That, in turn, threatens a provision in the deal for the council to approve funding by July 15 to preserve a planned 2030 stadium opening. Mendelson has argued that the July 15 deadline is not realistic, particularly given the due diligence needed to review the agreement, and that the Commanders won’t realistically need public funds until early next year.

In the meantime, the Commanders hosted a dinner earlier this week for council members in Georgetown to answer questions and help build support for the stadium effort. It’s currently thought that there are four solid “yes” votes on the council for the stadium funding, three short of the needed threshold. 

Stadium and arena battles, however, are nothing new in the nation’s capital. Delayed council approval of the funding for Nationals Park more than two decades ago nearly derailed MLB’s relocation of the Montreal Expos to become the Nationals. Much more recently, Ted Leonsis planned to move his NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals to neighboring Alexandria, Va., in a new venue before reaching a deal last year with Bowser to renovate the teams’ current home, Capital One Arena, instead. 

Harris, meanwhile, is also proceeding with plans to build a new arena in the South Philadelphia sports complex and begin a WNBA expansion franchise there, both in partnership with Comcast Spectacor.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) pulls down a touchdown reception against Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (26) in the fourth quarter during their football game Sunday, November 13, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Packers-Cowboys Game Is Getting Super Bowl–Like NBC Treatment

The network will bring its pregame show to Dallas.
Montana State
exclusive

PE Firm Pitches Taking FCS Football Playoff Private

Sequence Equity presented FCS commissioners a plan for a new postseason.
Belichick

Lawsuit Alleges UNC Illegally Hired Bill Belichick Behind Closed Doors

The former UNC provost cites three closed sessions related to sports.

Goodell Signals Early Move on Next NFL Rights Deals As Ratings Surge

The league could begin talks on domestic media deals as soon as 2026.

Featured Today

FARMINGDALE, NY - SEPTEMBER 22: Cameron Young of Team USA hits his tee shot on the third hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round at Bethpage State Park on Monday, September 22, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York.

U.S. Ryder Cup Players Will Be Paid. Not Everyone Is Pleased

Americans are receiving a $200,000 stipend, and not everyone is pleased.
Cheryl Reeve
September 21, 2025

How Cheryl Reeve Turned the Lynx Into the WNBA Gold Standard

Reeve has Minnesota six wins away from an unprecedented fifth WNBA title.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) during a college football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Sept. 13, 2025.
September 20, 2025

How Schools Are Skirting the New Salary Cap in College Sports

In the House settlement era, schools race to secure deals for players.
Adriunna Brown
September 18, 2025

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Sep 23, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; A view of the Black Course sign during a practice round of the Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black.

Ryder Cup Has Led to $30K Rent Windfall for Some Long Islanders

Short-term rental revenue in the area will surpass $2 million.
September 19, 2025

Browns Airport-Adjacent Stadium Plan Cleared for Takeoff

The NFL team resolves issues in its airport-adjacent stadium plan.
September 23, 2025

Rays Expected Back at Tropicana Field in ’26 As Repairs Progress

Restoration remains on track at the hurricane-damaged ballpark.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
September 17, 2025

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.
September 16, 2025

Commanders’ $3.8B D.C. Stadium Nears Key Council Vote

The Commanders’ proposed $3.8 billion stadium deal is poised for final approval.
January 5, 2025; Maui, Hawaii, USA; Hideki Matsuyama hits his fairway shot on the 13th hole during the final round of The Sentry golf tournament at Plantation Course at Kapalua.
September 15, 2025

PGA Tour’s January Season Opener Won’t Be Played At Kapalua

The Sentry’s longtime home is no longer able to host the tournament.
Aug 23, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Denver Broncos helmet against the New Orleans Saints during warmups at Caesars Superdome.
September 9, 2025

Broncos Eye 2031 Opening for New Multibillion-Dollar Stadium

The NFL team plans a new venue and mixed-use development.