Posted on Dec 19
DC Mayor Bowser clarifies: No federal funds for new Washington Commanders stadium
Posted Dec 19, 2024
The Washington Commanders return to the District of Columbia hinges on the passage of a spending bill in Congress.
Why it matters: The bill includes a resolution to transfer control of the land at the RFK site from Congress to the District of Columbia, potentially paving the way for the Commanders' relocation.
- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser clarified that the current bill does not allocate any funds for a new stadium, contrary to a tweet from Elon Musk.
- The transfer of the RFK site could increase the chances of the Commanders returning to their former home where they played from 1961-1996.
Yes, but: While the bill allows for the transfer of land, it does not require or link it directly to the construction of a stadium.
- The Commanders have the option to stay in Landover, Maryland if they choose.
What to watch: The negotiations and discussions surrounding the spending bill and the potential implications for the Commanders' future.
What's next: If the bill passes with the land transfer included, it would mark a significant step forward in the Commanders' efforts to secure a new stadium and return to the District of Columbia.
DC Mayor Bowser emphasized the importance of freeing the RFK site, which has remained unused for a decade and is considered a blight on the nation's capital.
- Bowser highlighted the need to invest in removing blight and transforming the RFK site into something more appealing and beneficial for the city.
- The mayor expressed agreement with President-elect Joe Biden's vision of making the nation's capital the most beautiful capital in the world.
The bottom line: While the spending bill does not directly allocate funds for a new stadium, the transfer of the RFK site to the District of Columbia sets the stage for potential future developments in the Commanders' quest for a new home. The focus now is on the negotiations and the future steps that will determine the team's fate.