WASHINGTON (AP) — The latest version of Congress’ streamlined spending bill, which lawmakers are hurrying to pass to avert a government shutdown, no longer includes a provision to transfer the land encompassing the former RFK Stadium from federal control to the District of Columbia. This modification presents a setback for the NFL’s Washington Commanders, who were optimistic about the possibility of using the land for a new stadium. Earlier this month, controlling owner Josh Harris and Commissioner Roger Goodell lobbied lawmakers for its inclusion in the bill.
The revised spending bill was influenced by criticism from President-elect Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, who opposed the original proposal that would have allowed the city to manage the RFK Stadium land for 99 years.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke about the land transfer at an event marking the beginning of an $800 million renovation of the downtown arena for the NBA’s Wizards and NHL’s Capitals. She aimed to clarify misinformation shared by Musk on his social platform X (formerly Twitter) regarding the costs associated with the RFK Stadium provision. Bowser reiterated the importance of the land transfer, stating it was a product of bipartisan negotiations.
“We’ve done everything expected of us, and this is the agreed-upon mechanism — recognized by both Democrats and Republicans,” Bowser asserted. “Have any of you visited RFK Stadium? It’s 177 acres surrounded by asphalt, home to a stadium that has been inactive for a decade, contributing to the blight in our nation’s capital. I share a common goal with the president-elect: to make Washington, D.C. the most beautiful capital in the world. We need to take action and repurpose the RFK site.”
The Commanders are evaluating potential locations in the District, Maryland, and Virginia for a new stadium as they plan for the future. Their lease at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, extends until 2027, and Harris has indicated that 2030 is a “reasonable target” for breaking ground on a new facility.
Previously, the Commanders played at RFK Stadium, which is situated two miles (3.22 kilometers) east of the Capitol, from 1961 to 1996 before relocating to Maryland. During that period, Harris and several co-owners, including Mitch Rales and Mark Ein, were fans of Washington football, relishing the team’s three Super Bowl victories from 1982 to 1991.
It remains uncertain how the team’s ownership will adjust its plans following this setback and how it will navigate its agreement with Maryland regarding the old stadium site if the team ultimately relocates elsewhere.
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