Washington Commanders Could Return to RFK Stadium in Landmark D.C. Deal
The Washington Commanders are a step closer to returning to their former home in Washington, D.C., following a government funding agreement unveiled by congressional negotiators. The deal transfers jurisdiction of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium campus from the federal government to the District of Columbia for 99 years, paving the way for the Commanders to explore building a new stadium on the site of the historic venue.
RFK Stadium, located in Northeast D.C., was the Commanders’ home from 1961 to 1996 before the team relocated to FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. The team’s lease at FedEx Field ends in 2027, making the timing of the jurisdictional transfer a critical step toward potentially revitalizing RFK’s site as the Commanders’ new home.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated the development, emphasizing its transformative potential. “This is an opportunity to turn a vacant, blighted sea of asphalt into a vibrant space for housing, jobs, sports, recreation, and green spaces,” Bowser said. She also highlighted the broader vision for the RFK campus, encompassing over 170 acres of waterfront development, which could serve as a hub for both residents and visitors.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Commanders owner Josh Harris played pivotal roles in advocating for the federal-to-D.C. jurisdictional transfer, meeting with lawmakers earlier this month to push for the change. Their efforts align with the team’s broader ambition to solidify its presence in the nation’s capital and secure a stadium that reflects its storied history.
The move, however, signals a potential economic blow to Maryland. The Old Line State stands to lose the Commanders and the revenue associated with hosting the team at FedEx Field. Nonetheless, the government funding bill offers Maryland some compensation, including full federal funding to repair Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge and the transfer of a D.C. Air National Guard squadron to the state.
Maryland’s senators, Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin, ultimately supported the RFK Stadium provision despite earlier concerns. Senator Cardin noted that the state worked closely with the Commanders and other stakeholders to achieve a balanced outcome. “Our principal objective has been to equalize this,” Cardin said. “We think we’ve been successful.”
The RFK provision is part of a broader stopgap funding package that lawmakers must approve by Friday to avoid a government shutdown. The legislation includes significant appropriations, such as $100 billion in disaster relief and $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers, alongside various reauthorizations.
If finalized, the RFK Stadium transfer will mark a major milestone for D.C., setting the stage for a new chapter in the Commanders’ history. The site’s redevelopment could bring an economic boost to the city, rekindle fan enthusiasm, and honor the legacy of one of the NFL’s most iconic stadiums.