The Washington Commanders were one of the stories of the 2024 NFL season with their turnaround into NFC runners-up behind NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels at quarterback.
The team’s made more moves in the offseason to improve, acquiring wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tackle Laremy Tunsil in moves to surround Daniels with a better supporting cast.
Now, the franchise has its sights set on a potential new home for Daniels and the team in Washington, D.C.
The Commanders are close to a deal to build a new stadium at the old RFK Stadium site, per multiple reports. Mark Segraves of NBC4 was the first to report the news.
A completed deal would bring the franchise back to Washington, D.C., at the location it played at from 1961 to 1996. The team currently plays at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland.
A new stadium is something Commanders owner Josh Harris has prioritized dating back to last offseason.
‘It’s taking up a lot of my own mind space to find our next home,’ Harris said in August 2024.
Mayor Muriel Bowser stated the 2026 budget is ready for the D.C. Council and any details on stadium spending will be included in that document. The District is currently facing $410 million in budget cuts imposed by Congress, which could impact potential spending.
Phil Mendelson, D.C. Council chairman, told the Washington Post that the council had not been informed or consulted on negotiations with the Commanders.
“I find it disturbing that the mayor believes a unilateral approach is the best course, especially when ultimately the council has to give approval,” he said to the Post.
Specifics of a potential deal have not been confirmed by either side.
Harris is a native of Chevy Chase, Maryland, located a couple miles from the Maryland-D.C. border. He led the investment group that bought the Commanders from Daniel Snyder for $6.05 billion in 2023. He also is part of the group that owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
