• Loading stock data...
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Join us May 14 at 1 p.m. ET for Future of Sports: Leagues of Their Own Register Now

Virginia’s Bid For the Commanders’ New Stadium Takes Shape Post-Snyder Era

  • With Dan Snyder out, new owner Josh Harris will have more options for the team’s next stadium.
  • Vote on stadium study could be part of Virginia budget proposal next week.
Washington-Commanders
Washington Commanders

There was no certainty that Dan Snyder would sell the Washington Commanders when Virginia’s legislature recessed in February. 

Snyder did offload the team, a deal reached with Josh Harris in May, and the $6.05 billion purchase became official in July. In the meantime, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and lawmakers worked toward adjustments to the budget — one that could include a $250,00 study on the feasibility of building the next Commanders stadium in the state. 

“With Dan Snyder no longer being an owner, this is no longer about economic development versus it being a political referendum on the owner,” Del. David Reid (D-Loudoun County) told  Front Office Sports. 

Legislators were presented with details of the amendment, a source told FOS on Saturday. One of the amendments had sought as much as $500,000 for the study.

The Republican governor announced a special session for Sept. 6 after a deal was reached between the politically split General Assembly to approve changes to the 2023 budget. It won’t be known until about 48 hours before the special session what amendments will be contained in the revised budget, including the proposal for the stadium study. 

A spokesperson for Youngkin’s office said that they “aren’t aware of the details” of the study provision in the budget, and pointed FOS to comments Youngkin made earlier this month.

“I do believe that Virginia would be a great place for the Commanders to not just have training camp, not just have their headquarters, but in fact to play all their games,” Youngkin said.

But even if it doesn’t make the final budget bill, the state is expected to be in the mix as politicians in Maryland and D.C. step up their efforts to be the home for the Commanders’ next stadium. 

“I don’t think there is a concern that we will be left behind,” Reid said.

That’s because the real work would begin when the General Assembly’s next session starts in January. Virginia operates on a two-year budget cycle, and any public money discussions would begin then. 

Virginia was the only player during Snyder’s multiyear effort to replace FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. 

But even a $300 million proposal was shelved in June 2022 amid the numerous investigations into Snyder and the team and a divisive comment made by defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Snyder, however, still touted how much money Virginia would be willing to offer. A prospectus provided to Harris’ ownership group stated that Virginia could provide up to $1.5 billion in public funding — half the cost of the domed stadium that Snyder planned to build in Northern Virginia. 

Even under new ownership with local ties, that figure is expected to be a fraction of that, sources told FOS previously. 

The selection of a new stadium is perhaps a couple of years out, and a new stadium may not open until after the current lease at FedEx Field expires in 2027. But Harris’ group acquired the stadium and the approximately 200 acres come with it, and can extend the Commanders’ stay.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has been very vocal about his aim to keep the team in his state. The Commanders have played in Prince George’s County since 1997 after relocating from RFK Stadium in D.C. 

“Keeping them in Prince George’s County is a major priority,” Moore told FOS earlier this month at Commanders training camp. “In our first six months [in office], we’ve already allocated $400 million towards the [Metro] Blue Line Corridor, which is right near the stadium.”

Minus Snyder, there also appears to be less opposition regarding a Virginia stadium location. 

Snyder intended to put the team in Prince William County and had the option to purchase land on a site where fears over traffic on the continually congested I-95 led many to voice objections. 

Two of the three sites proposed initially were in Prince William, with the other in Loudoun County, where the team’s headquarters has been for decades.

Loudoun has the highest median income of any county in the nation, although economic development has consisted mainly of data centers like those surrounding the Commanders’ headquarters. The proposed site is an old rock quarry in Sterling. 

“If you look at it from a transportation perspective, the site would be the best option [of the three originally studied],” Reid said. “It’s located where the Dulles Greenway, Tollway, and Route 28 come together. It’s near Dulles Airport. The Metro station is a mile away.”

Reid has told his constituents that it’s more than just a football stadium, talking up the hotels, bars, restaurants, and even a performance arts center that would be located adjacent to the stadium.

Editor’s note: This story was updated 9/2 after FOS received new information on the stadium study amendment.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

July 9, 2009; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Detroit Pistons president Joe Dumars during the press conference to introduce their new head coach John Kuester at their practice facility.

Joe Dumars Leaving NBA League Office to Run Pelicans

Joe Dumars was the architect of the 2004 champion Pistons.
Denver-Broncos

Who are the richest NFL owners?

The NFL’s wealthiest owners form an elite club of billionaire power players.
Mar 20, 2025; Providence, RI, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Karter Knox (11) controls the ball against Kansas Jayhawks during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion.

Men’s March Madness Sets Opening-Day Viewership Record

CBS Sports and TNT Sports scored big with Arkansas–Kansas.

Callaway’s LIV Deal Shows How Much Golf Has Shifted

The company has signed a first-of-its-kind club contract.

Featured Today

Apr 18, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal vs Grand Canyon University Antelopes during the MPSF Men's Volleyball Championship at Galen Center.

‘What Just Happened’: Inside the Abrupt End of Grand Canyon Men’s Volleyball

Inside Grand Canyon’s shocking decision to cut men’s volleyball.
Mar 26, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Actor and filmmaker Spike Lee (l) greets former professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. during the game between the LA Clippers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
May 9, 2025

‘Friends of the Garden’: Inside the NBA’s Most Exclusive Celebrity Suite

“Among the titans of industry, deals are done at Suite 200.”
exclusive
May 9, 2025

Shams Charania on Draft, Breaking Dončić Trade, ‘Whirlwind’ ESPN Tenure

Charania will work on his first NBA draft lottery for ESPN on Monday.
Fat Perez reacts after hitting his shot on the 16th tee during the WHOOP Shot at Glory on the 16th hole at TPC in Scottsdale on Feb. 5, 2025.
May 7, 2025

Golf Influencers Are the New Currency for PGA Tour and LIV

YouTube golf is big business. The rival tours are staging formal events.

Trump Gets Another Golf Win With Euro Tour’s Scottish Championship

Trump International Golf Links Scotland will host a tournament in August.
Sep 26, 2021; Haven, Wisconsin, USA; David Kohler on the second hole during day two four-ball rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits.
May 5, 2025

Ryder Cup Comeback? Billionaire Owner Eyes Whistling Straits Return

The course has hosted the Ryder Cup and PGA championships.
May 6, 2025

After Getting Sixers to Stay, Comcast Putting Its Own Name on Arena

Comcast will spotlight its mobile business at the South Philadelphia venue.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Portfolio Players is our bi-weekly spotlight on the athletes and investors reshaping the business of sports. This week, venture capitalist Kai Cunningham unpacks why athletes land top deals and how the usual investing rules don’t always apply.
April 30, 2025

Utah Hockey Capacity Set to Rise by 6,000—Literally

Hockey sight lines will be greatly improved at the downtown arena.
April 29, 2025

Will Commanders Get Their Stadium? Public Funding Hangs in Balance

The NFL team will have an uphill battle with skeptical council members.
April 28, 2025

London’s Big Sports Play: From NFL Games to Olympic Dreams

The English capital says it has already generated sizable returns from sports.
Rendering for Bridgestone Arena
April 22, 2025

Predators Unveil $650M Plan to Keep Pace With NHL’s Venue Race

The NHL team has big plans for the 28-year-old Nashville arena.