NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris met with congressional lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss securing access to the RFK Stadium site in the District of Columbia. The meetings included discussions on the RFK Stadium proposal and the security issue of drones on game days.
The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources passed the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act to the full Senate for approval. If approved, the act would transfer the land with the former stadium to the D.C. government for up to 99 years, aiming to transform the area into a community sports, recreation, and cultural amenities complex.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton described the potential transfer as a 'win-win' for both the federal and D.C. governments. Representative James Comer highlighted the economic benefits of the stadium deal, emphasizing the creation of jobs, revenue generation, and the transformation of the RFK waterfront.
While the Commanders have not confirmed building their next stadium at the RFK site, the agreement marks a significant step towards the possibility of returning to their former home. The team expressed gratitude for the interest shown by D.C., Maryland, and Virginia as potential locations for their new stadium.
Washington Commanders' current ownership, led by Josh Harris, Mitch Rales, and Mark Ein, has strong ties to the area and aims to honor the team's history at RFK Stadium. The ownership group took over the team from Dan Snyder last year and has been exploring stadium options in the region.
Senator Steve Daines, who previously raised concerns about the team's name change, has now given his support for the RFK Stadium bill. Negotiations are ongoing regarding the use of the old Indian head logo, with plans to support Native American causes and feature the logo on future merchandise.
The potential relocation of the Commanders' stadium remains a multi-jurisdictional decision, with sites in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia still under consideration. The Commanders' ownership is committed to finding a new home that aligns with the team's legacy and values.
