Return to D.C. is one step closer
The Washington Commanders got a win today before their preseason games started. They have been working with Washington, D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser and city council on getting a deal done that allows the team to return to the city and the site of their former home, RFK Stadium. Council held the first of two votes today, and approved the deal with a 9-3 vote. The second vote is scheduled for September 17th.
The Commanders and Bowser originally reached a deal in April, but city council wanted some changes, and they delayed the exclusivity deadline that was set for July 17th. The team made a lot of changes to the deal, giving the city concessions on taxes, parking, union jobs, and more. There are still a few things to be worked out before next months vote, but Josh Harris and the rest of the ownership are determined to get this over the finish line, and begin work to have the stadium ready for the 2030 season.
The amended bill got across the finish line after the team committed to additional union jobs at a second hotel in the entertainment district, following initial commitments by the team for union work at the stadium site and one hotel in the entertainment district.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 1, 2025
A second and final vote will occur on September 17. Multiple Council members said the team has to agree before then to more stringent penalties if it does not complete the mixed-use construction of the 6,000 homes that are in the deal by the current expected timeline of 2040.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 1, 2025