Cleveland Council Poised to Approve $100M Browns Stadium Deal Enabling Relocation

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has negotiated a $100 million settlement with the Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Cleveland Browns, allowing the team to relocate to a new $2.4 billion stadium in Brook Park. The deal includes $25 million upfront for lakefront development and stadium demolition, with an additional $45 million paid over 15 years, while both parties agree to drop all ongoing litigation. Bibb defends the agreement as a pragmatic solution to avoid the risk of the Browns leaving without any compensation, citing challenges including a $600 million state grant to the Browns and changes to the "Modell Law" that reduced the city's leverage. City Council has expressed concerns about whether the settlement is sufficient compensation for losing the Browns and is conducting a thorough, multi-committee review before a final vote. While some officials view the deal as a necessary compromise given the legal and financial constraints, others question why more leverage was not used to secure greater public funding. The agreement also aims to enable redevelopment of the lakefront area, shifting focus from Browns-related activities to broader community benefits.