The Washington Commanders finally appeared ready to return to the location of RFK Stadium in 2030 with a new $3.8 billion stadium after 20 years of stadium uncertainty. D.C. appeared prepared to seal a historic deal, with head coach Dan Quinn and new owner Josh Harris seeking to rebuild both on and off the field. But the idea of bringing football back to the nation’s capital is currently in jeopardy due to political pressures.
According to Front Office Sports, “A political back-and-forth between D.C.’s top two officials is putting the $3.8 billion proposal for a new Washington Commanders stadium at risk.” Mayor Muriel Bowser of D.C. has cautioned that the agreement might completely collapse if the city’s budget is not approved on time. “If the Council strips the deal terms or budgeted dollars from the budget, it kills our agreement with the Commanders,” she stated. The present agreement, which involves $1.1 billion in public investment, needs preliminary approval by July 15; beyond that, the team can look at options in Virginia or Maryland.
A political back-and-forth between D.C.’s top two officials is putting the $3.8 billion proposal for a new Washington Commanders stadium at risk. @AEricFisher explains the situation
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 14, 2025
But Phil Mendelson, the chair of the D.C. Council, doesn’t see the need. He questioned Bowser’s timeframe, saying the Council will conduct its due diligence and that the team won’t require public funds until next summer. “The Council will move forward quickly to analyze the mayor’s terms, improve the deal where possible for taxpayers, and approve a new football stadium,” Mendelson stated.
What began as a significant step to revive football at RFK has devolved into a full-on standoff. And with competing jurisdictions waiting in the wings, the clock is ticking fast on Washington’s last, best shot at keeping the Commanders in the District.
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