Bowser, Harris, Goodell Announce Commanders’ Return to RFK Campus

April 28, 2025

The Washington Commanders may return to RFK campus by 2030 under a $3. 6 billion deal announced by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, team owner Josh Harris, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The agreement includes a $2.

Who is affected

District residents, particularly those in Kingman Park and Ward 7
D.C. taxpayers funding the public investment portion
Youth and returning citizens (targeted in community benefits plan)
Local schools and nonprofits
The Washington Commanders organization and its fans
Labor groups and other stakeholders involved in the community benefits plan
Future residents of the proposed 5,000-6,000 housing units
Businesses that would operate in the new development

What action is being taken

The Bowser administration and Commanders are negotiating a $3.6 billion development deal
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development is conducting stakeholder meetings about the development
A community benefits plan is being compiled with input from residents, labor groups, and stakeholders
The "Homes, Not Stadiums" group is circulating a petition for a ballot measure to prevent stadium construction
The D.C. Council is preparing to deliberate on the RFK campus development deal
EventsDC is coordinating community engagement events about the future of RFK campus

Why it matters

The project promises to create more than 16,000 jobs and generate $20 billion in tax revenue
The development would transform 180 acres of currently unused land
The District is committing over $1 billion in public funds during projected revenue loss and potential government furloughs
The plan includes 5,000-6,000 housing units and recreation facilities for community use
It would return the Commanders to the District after departing in 1996
The development could potentially host future Super Bowls and over 100 events annually
The project is described as a "catalyst for long-term, transformational economic growth" in D.C.

What's next

The D.C. Council needs to approve the deal by summer 2024, requiring seven council votes
A community benefits plan must be created prior to the council's approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget
The Bowser administration plans to conduct additional stakeholder meetings
WMATA will conduct a capacity study for transportation infrastructure
If approved, construction would aim for Commanders' return to RFK campus by fall 2030

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer