Browns Announce Relocation to Brook Park

The Cleveland Browns have announced plans to relocate to Brook Park, a suburb approximately 17 miles from their current home in downtown Cleveland, after their lease expires in 2028. Mayor Justin Bibb expressed disappointment, stating the decision prioritizes profits over the community, as the team had the option to renovate their existing stadium with a significant city investment. The Browns' owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, contended that a new domed stadium would attract larger events and provide long-term benefits, though the proposed $2.4 billion project is still in the planning stages. Bibb emphasized the city's commitment to exploring options that would keep the team in Cleveland, which has hosted the Browns since their return as an expansion team in 1999. The decision has stirred mixed reactions among fans, reminiscent of the team's controversial move to Baltimore in 1996. As the city prepares for the potential economic impact of the relocation, estimated at $30 million annually, discussions about future negotiations remain open.