DC Council Pulls Commanders Stadium Deal From 2026 Budget

The D.C. Council has decided to separate the Washington Commanders' proposed RFK Stadium redevelopment deal from the city's 2026 budget, introducing a standalone bill to give lawmakers more time for due diligence, public hearings, and in-depth economic analyses. Council Chair Phil Mendelson emphasized that this move does not jeopardize the stadium's funding, which remains in the budget, but is meant to ensure thorough scrutiny of the $3.7 billion project before approval. While Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders have pushed for a July 15 deadline to keep the 2030 stadium opening on track, Mendelson and others believe more time is needed, potentially delaying the timeline and opening the door for the team to consider alternative sites in Maryland or Virginia if an agreement isn’t reached. The team and city leaders stress the stadium's potential economic impact, promising jobs and major events, and hope the Council will act expeditiously. However, some officials caution that cutting corners to meet deadlines is not advisable for a project of this magnitude. The debate continues as both sides seek to balance speed, transparency, and the economic interests of the District.