D.C. is “close to a deal worth more” than $3B to bring the Commanders “back to the District and build a new stadium at the RFK Stadium site.” The deal “isn’t final as negotiations are ongoing,” but sources said that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders “have the framework for a deal in place that would see the team paying the vast majority of the costs to build a new stadium and much of the money provided by the city going for infrastructure that will support the entire 180-acre development.” The Commanders “would put up as much” as $2.5B, and D.C. “would provide up to” $850M. D.C.’s funding would “go toward what are referred to as eligible capital costs associated with the stadium and infrastructure for the stadium and surrounding 180-acre campus, including parking structures that will serve the entire development.” D.C.’s investment would be “paid in installments,” with the first $500M “paid out between 2026 and 2030 for various portions of the work as the stadium and infrastructure are completed.” The other $350M would be “paid in 2032 through taxes generated from the new development to cover costs of the stadium or stadium infrastructure.” The deal calls for the stadium and stadium parking to be “completed by fall 2030.” One hurdle is the looming $410M in “budget cuts D.C. faces for the current fiscal year.” A group of residents also wants a “voter initiative on the ballot blocking a stadium” (NBCWASHINGTON.com, 4/16).
The Commanders are “expected to tap into the NFL’s stadium-loan program to finance a portion of their contribution,” according to a source. Another source added that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell “has been actively involved in the talks” (WASHINGTON POST, 4/16).
