The race for the next stadium of the Washington Commanders is heating up. One week after the team was officially sold from Daniel Snyder to Josh Harris, three different localities are lining up for the chance to do business with the Commanders and build a new stadium.
It’s long been believed that returning to Washington, D.C. is what the Commanders prefer. However, the District was never going into business with Snyder. Maryland wanted to keep the Commanders in Prince George’s County but wasn’t going overboard to help Snyder.
Finally, Virginia looked like the most promising opportunity for a new stadium until that support waned under multiple investigations into Snyder.
With Harris and his ownership group, the Commanders are open for business.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore said he spoke with Harris on the night the sale was confirmed, per NBC 4 Washington.
On Thursday, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin visited Commanders training camp in Ashburn and said Virginia was the best place for a new NFL stadium. Youngkin spoke extensively with Harris and two of his minority partners, Mark Ein and Mitchell Rales.
Meanwhile, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser was hard at work, doing her best to bring the Commanders back to the District. On Thursday, Bowser held a #SportsCapital Rally with the purpose of retaining and attracting sports teams to D.C.
Also, this week, Rep. James Comer [R-Ky.] introduced bipartisan legislation that would turn the RFK site into a mixed-use development, paving the way for a new home for the Commanders.
“This legislation is set to pave the way for local officials to create meaningful new jobs, add millions in city revenue, and transform the Anacostia River waterfront into a lively destination for all,” Comer told The Washington Post.
Bowser made it clear where she believed the Commanders should build their new stadium.
“There’s really only one place for the team in this region,” she said at the rally. “I mean, I know, I’ve been a little coy, but……. there’s only one choice.”
On Friday, Bowser was a guest on the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan and continued to make her pitch.
“This is how we start – we want our team, but we also know we have a great site, and believe we have the best site, best served by transportation and public transportation,” Mayor Bowser told the Junkies per Lou DiPietro. “And, the allure of history is something that counts.”
Bowser said shortly after Harris took over as the owner, he placed a call to Bowser. Then, on Thursday, he, along with Ein, visited City Hall and spoke to Bowser. She noted that while she didn’t know Harris before, she does know Ein well. Bowser noted it was a good visit.
While we may still not be close to determining where the Commanders will build their new stadium, for the first time in years, business has picked up. And Washington’s owners are already working behind the scenes with local leaders to land the best situation for the franchise.
