Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff
The mayor and the team need a majority of the D.C. Council to agree — and lawmakers remain far from united on the deal, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.
Architects of a $3.7 billion deal to bring the Washington Commanders to the RFK Stadium site have framed the team’s return to D.C. as almost inevitable.
But Bowser and the team need a majority of the D.C. Council to agree — and lawmakers remain far from united on the deal, which is expected to cost D.C. taxpayers more than $1 billion.
Bowser is expected to include the public financing portions of the project in her 2026 capital budget submission, which administration officials say is expected in the coming weeks but delayed by Congress, which threw D.C.’s budgeting process into chaos by suddenly cutting local funds through a stopgap spending bill passed in March.
Once the deal makes its way to the council, it will require seven votes to pass. The terms Bowser agreed to with the team say the council must approve D.C.’s financial contribution and other legislation related to the deal by mid-July, or else the exclusive agreement between the city and the team will expire (though it may be extended if both parties agree).
[E]ven those open to funding the stadium in some form were concerned about the price tag for taxpayers.
“There are the folks who are hard no’s, there’s some folks who are hard yeses,” said D.C. Council member Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3). “I’m hoping the rest of us are saying: ‘could be for it, could be against it, need to take a hard look at it before making a decision in the context of this really difficult budget.’”
One of the most creative features of the new stadium design is in the end zone. Seating will be arranged in the shape of a “W,” a clear nod to Washington’s name, culture, and brand. This subtle yet symbolic gesture will become a visual signature on broadcasts and a unique experience for fans seated in that section.
Thanks to the stadium’s deliberate alignment and open sightlines, fans sitting in certain areas will be able to see the iconic U.S. Capitol building beyond the structure. It’s a powerful, patriotic reminder of the franchise’s connection to the nation’s capital and its roots in the heart of D.C.
Mayor Bowser said the city knew right away that partnering with the Commanders was...
