Commanders reach deal to build new stadium at RFK site

The Washington Commanders agreed to a deal with the District of Columbia to build a new stadium at the site of RFK Stadium, the club and Mayor Muriel E. Bowser announced Monday.

The arrangement requires the approval of the D.C. Council. A joint press conference announcement from team owner Josh Harris and Bowser is expected to take place Monday, according to The Washington Post's Sam Fortier, Meagan Flynn, and Nicki Jhabvala.

Harris previously mentioned his desire to open a new stadium in 2030. The Commanders' contract to play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, runs through 2027. The club has the flexibility to extend the deal until the completion of a new stadium since it owns both the stadium and land.

Bowser has been optimistic a new stadium would help attract major sporting events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, and major concerts.

Terms of the deal haven't been announced, but the cost of the project is reportedly expected to exceed $3 billion.

"My position has been that there should not be public dollars, the D.C. treasury should not be paying toward a stadium," D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said earlier this month, per Keim.

The Commanders considered the potential of remaining in Landover, Maryland, and building a new venue at the site of their current stadium. Virginia was also considered but wasn't considered a viable option as the decision-making process developed. The team has practiced in Ashburn, Virginia, dating back to 1992.

Washington's NFL franchise played at RFK Stadium from 1961-96, winning three Super Bowls.

The Commanders are coming off one of the most successful seasons in nearly three decades. They finished 2024 with a 12-5 record, making it to the NFC Championship Game behind rising quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn.