DC

Governor Moore Responds to Washington Commanders’ Announced Move Back to D.C.

By Patrick Herron

Maryland Governor Wes Moore issued a statement following the announcement by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and Washington Commanders Managing Partner Josh Harris of a deal to return the team to the RFK campus in Washington, D.C.

“Nearly two years ago, when the new Washington Commanders ownership group bought the team for more than $6 billion, they made it clear that they were very interested in a possible return to the team’s historic and spiritual home at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.

We fought hard to keep the Washington Commanders in Maryland, working with state and local leaders beginning in 2023 and making our case for building the new stadium in Landover. While we put together a very competitive offer focused on not just the stadium but a larger revitalization of the area, we’ve also been responsibly preparing for the possibility of the Washington Commanders choosing to return to Washington.

Our priority has always been ensuring that the Landover community will see a transformative new development in the years ahead, regardless of the stadium decision.

Several months ago, we executed an MOU with the Washington Commanders ownership group to outline commitments from the team in the event of a move. The team committed to carrying out a speedy stadium demolition, beginning within 90 days of the first game in the new stadium, and to provide maintenance and security at the site as it is redeveloped.

The Washington Commanders also committed to collaborate with the state, county, and local community on a thoughtful redevelopment plan consistent with the broader vision for the Blue Line Corridor that will be responsive to local priorities and have a projected economic impact at least equal to that of the current stadium.

The team agreed to complete design and planning work and begin obtaining local approvals prior to their first game in the new stadium. The timeline and commitments will ensure that the move will not create blight in the community. In other words, we will not be left with another RFK Stadium.

What’s important going forward is that the Landover community receives the investment that it deserves. Currently, we have a nearly 200-acre property that gets used eight times a year for a few hours, and I have said from my earliest days as governor that the people of the area deserve better. We will partner with the Washington Commanders to make sure that they follow through on the promises they made and deliver an impactful new development that activates every day of the year.”