REPORT: Commanders Stadium at RFK could cost public $3B

It’s a story that blends nostalgia, politics, and billions of dollars: the potential return of the Washington Commanders to the historic RFK Stadium site. For longtime fans, the idea tugs at the heartstrings. For city officials and watchdogs? It’s a full-blown, high-stakes debate over public spending and urban development.

Here’s the breakdown of where things stand—and where this could be headed.

The Dream: NFL Football Returns to the District

A while back, we saw some unofficial renderings floating around, teasing what a new stadium at the RFK site could look like. Think modern, sleek, and full of potential. It wasn’t a formal proposal—just a vision. But now? It’s creeping closer to reality.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is championing a $3.7 billion proposal that would bring the NFL back to the District. That means demolishing the long-decaying RFK Stadium and replacing it with a brand-new, domed venue that could host not only the Commanders but concerts, events, and more. In theory, this is about reviving a beloved sports landmark and reshaping an entire part of the city.

The proposal has Mayor Bowser’s full support. The Commanders’ front office is all in. But the D.C. City Council? Not so fast.

The Politics: A Divided Council and a Quiet Deal

The deal, as it stands, was negotiated between Mayor Bowser and the team—with little input from the rest of the council. That lack of transparency is now coming back to bite. Councilmember Charles Allen didn’t hold back, saying:

“This was a deal the mayor negotiated without the council.”

Council members feel left out, and many are hesitant to back a proposal they didn’t help shape. Some are outright opposed. Others are cautiously waiting to learn more. The sentiment is clear: this isn’t a done deal, and if it goes to a vote today, it likely wouldn’t pass.

The Numbers: What’s Really at Stake?

Let’s get to the money. Yes, the total project cost is pegged at $3.7 billion. But here’s the part raising eyebrows: D.C.’s public contribution could be between $2.5 and $3 billion.

That’s right—taxpayer dollars would cover the majority of this deal, making it the single largest public stadium subsidy in U.S. history, even bigger than Nashville’s $2 billion-plus subsidy for the Titans’ new stadium.

Where’s the money going? According to journalist Neil deMause (of the excellent watchdog site Field of Schemes), the term sheet reveals a lot more than the press releases do:

$500 million labeled as “infrastructure” spending from D.C.—but the definition of infrastructure includes stadium foundations and stairs, not just roads and sewers.

The city would own the stadium, which means Josh Harris and the Commanders avoid paying property taxes.

Rent? Just $1 per year. Yes, really.

The team would also control 180 acres of prime D.C. land—free—for 30 years, with the rights to develop it into housing, retail, office space, and more. That’s a billion-dollar real estate opportunity, gifted without a revenue-sharing clause.

The Catch: No Revenue for D.C.

Despite “owning” the stadium, D.C. wouldn’t see a dime from its actual operations. That means:

• No naming rights money
• No cut of ticket sales
• No merchandise, food, or parking revenue
• No profits from hosting concerts or non-NFL events

Even the seat licenses and parking are exempt from sales tax. And any sales tax collected at the venue goes right back into a site-specific reinvestment fund—not the city’s general fund.

So, in effect, D.C. fronts the money, takes the risk, and gets little to nothing back in terms of direct returns.

The Bigger Picture: This Is a Land Deal

Let’s be clear—this isn’t just about football. It’s about real estate.

Modern stadium deals are rarely just about where a team plays. They’re about what gets built around the stadium. Teams don’t just want upgraded locker rooms; they want retail hubs, high-end condos, and business parks. That’s the case here.

Josh Harris and the Commanders don’t just want a place to play. They want the keys to develop and profit from 180 acres of prime city land. And in this deal, that’s exactly what they’d get.

Public Scrutiny and What’s Next

Right now, the D.C. City Council is split, at best. Several members are calling for a more thorough vetting of the deal, more protections against rising construction costs and inflation, and better assurances that D.C. taxpayers won’t be stuck footing an even bigger bill down the road.

The current timeline? Groundbreaking in 2026, with completion by 2030. That’s ambitious. And it may never happen if the term sheet doesn’t get significantly revised—or voted down altogether.

Final Thoughts: Sentiment vs. Reality

Yes, the RFK site is hallowed ground for Washington football fans. It’s where legends played, where memories were made. And yes, FedEx Field in Landover has long been a disaster, one of the worst stadiums in the league.

But the question for D.C. isn’t whether the Commanders should return—it’s how much the city should pay for that nostalgia. Right now, it looks like the public is being asked to cover nearly the entire cost of a privately-run sports and real estate empire.

Sentiment matters. But so do numbers. And when the public cost could top $3 billion, taxpayers deserve transparency, accountability, and a real say in what happens next.

What do you think? Should D.C. go all-in on this deal to bring the Commanders back to RFK? Or is this a billion-dollar giveaway in disguise?

Let me know in the comments.