The Washington Commanders’ bid to build a new venue for its storied NFL franchise has been handed a huge boost.
The District of Columbia has approved the Commanders’ plan to build on the site of the RFK Stadium – their former NFL home from 1961 to 1996 – and have agreed to supply an estimated $1.1 billion towards the project, with the Commanders due to fund the remaining $2.7 billion.
The stadium deal was thought to be in jeopardy when US president Donald Trump threatened to ‘put a restriction’ on any such deal if they didn’t revert back to the franchise’s past name – the Redskins – which he perceived to be as ‘much more valuable.’
The name was changed in 2020 to after the old name was considered to be offensive to Native Americans.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders announced in April of their plans to bring back the team to the district, which would see them return with a new stadium in 2030.
On Thursday, Bowser and Commanders president Mark Clouse made their case to seal the deal and move back from Maryland, where they have played for nearly 30 years.
“This is a historic moment and one of extraordinary opportunity. Together, we can deliver the fastest and surest transformation of the RFK site into something that brings people together, drives growth and shows what’s possible when public purpose and private commitment align,” Clouse said, via WTOP news.
Clouse has estimated that within the stadium’s first year, they will bring in $1.3 billion in gross revenue, of which 57 percent will be new net revenue to D.C., as well as $800 million in direct spending.
Bowser dubbed the deal as a ‘BFD’ which stands for “big f***ing deal”, due to it set to become an integral economic driver for the district.
“On Friday, council members, I’m asking for your strong, unified vote to help shift our economy, grow jobs, grow business opportunities and to bring our team home,” Bowser said. “To borrow a phrase, this is a BFD. Very big.”
Now, according to Front Office Sports, that plan has been officially approved after the District of Columbia passed the stadium bill by a 9-3 vote.
The latest changes call for additional community support from the team, whilst there will be a particular emphasis on environmental considerations throughout the project.
“The mayor called this a BFD. I’d rather say this is a BBD, a big, beautiful deal,” said council pro tempore Kenyan McDuffie, via FOS. “It’s not been easy, but I really appreciate the fight to get this bill to where it is.”
After the vote, Bowser addressed the outcome in a statement.
“The era of a crumbling sea of asphalt on the banks of the Anacostia is finally coming to an end,” Bowser said.
“In its place, we will bring our team home and deliver a state-of-the-art, Super Bowl–ready stadium for our Commanders… We will build a campus that makes our city proud for generations of Washingtonians to come.”
There was also a chance for Washington owner Josh Harris, whose consortium includes NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, after he was handed the keys by Dan Snyder after purchasing the team for $6.05 billion in 2023, to deliver his own statement on behalf of the Commanders.
“This is a historic moment,” Harris said. “This project is about more than delivering a world-class stadium worthy of our players, fans and the region.
“It’s about revitalizing a critical part of our city, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking long-term economic benefits for the District.”
The Commanders found their quarterback for the future after their second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft Jayden Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game after posting a 12-5 record – their best since 1994.
With the wheels now in motion for a new stadium, the Commanders are on the charge, as they seek to create new history under their new moniker that is here to stay.
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