Additional Coverage:
- Late Senate vote approves RFK site plan as Commanders pursue (newsbreak.com)
The Washington Commanders’ quest for a new stadium in the District of Columbia has taken a dramatic turn. The U.S. Senate has approved a bill that allows the federal government to lease land to the district, significantly increasing the chances of the Commanders returning to the city.
Mayor Muriel Bowser has been aggressively pursuing the team, aiming to build a new stadium at the site of RFK Stadium. The district plans to incorporate housing and a recreation center into the project.
The bill’s passage marks a crucial step towards a new stadium, as the district previously had limited time remaining on its current lease. The NFL has welcomed the move, saying it gives Washington a “seat at the table” in stadium negotiations.
While there is no federal funding involved, Bowser can now begin talks with the Commanders about a stadium deal. The team has a strong emotional attachment to RFK Stadium, where they played and won multiple Super Bowls.
However, the Commanders also have a contract to play in Maryland until 2027. Governor Wes Moore is eager for the team to stay in Landover, but sources suggest that the odds of them moving to the district have improved.
Any deal involving public funds must be approved by the D.C. Council, which has previously been divided on the issue. The bill’s passage is a significant victory for Bowser and the city, marking a potential turning point for the revitalized Commanders franchise.
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- Late Senate vote approves RFK site plan as Commanders pursue (newsbreak.com)