D.C. Council Discusses $2.7 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris have been actively lobbying the D.C. Council to support a deal for a new $2.7 billion stadium at the RFK site, which includes about $1 billion in public funds from the city. The stadium deal is part of a larger economic development plan negotiated by Mayor Muriel Bowser, following legislation that allowed the District to develop the long-underutilized RFK campus. While some council members, including Kenyan McDuffie and Anita Bonds, support the deal for its potential to revitalize the area, Chairman Phil Mendelson remains cautious about allocating public money and expects changes to the deal before approval. Mendelson acknowledges the deal’s merits and the political pressure from NFL leadership and the mayor, but he insists on careful scrutiny of the terms. The deal’s future hinges on how significant the council's amendments will be, with the deadline for approval potentially extendable if both sides agree. Overall, the deal is seen as a major private investment opportunity with broad implications for the District's economic development.