RFK Stadium Deal: DC, Washington Commanders unveil plans for site
FULL VIDEO: Washington Commanders coming back to DC
During a press conference, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Commanders Owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that the Washington Commanders are returning to Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON - The Washington Commanders are set to return to the nation’s capital following an agreement between the organization and the District of Columbia to build a new stadium on the site of the old RFK Stadium.
Mayor Muriel Bowser announced Monday that the District and the Commanders have reached an agreement to construct the stadium in the location the team called home for more than three decades.
The agreement is pending approval from the D.C. City Council.
The announcement was made in a video posted on social media, narrated by Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann. Theismann reflected on his time playing at RFK Stadium and emphasized the positive impact the new stadium will have on the city.
"The time is now," Theismann said. "Let’s bring Washington back to D.C."
A rendering of what a new stadium at D.C.’s RFK Stadium site could look like. (Government of the District of Columbia)
(L-R) Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris, Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell hold a news conference on building a new Commanders stadium on April 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. The Commanders and the District of
RFK Stadium site proposed terms of deal
Commanders Investment: $2.7 billion for a roofed, year-round stadium and related improvements—largest private investment in DC history.
DC Government Contribution: $500 million for stadium horizontal costs via Sports Facilities Fee, avoiding cuts to the city’s operating budget.
Parking Development: $175 million revenue bond funded by in-stadium activity once operational.
Events DC Contribution: Up to $181 million for parking garages near community facilities, owned by Events DC.
Infrastructure Investment: $202 million for utilities, roadways, and a WMATA transit study.
Stadium Features: 65,000 seats, occupying 11% of the site, with a roof for year-round events, set to open in 2030.
Campus Development: Restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels, housing (5,000–6,000 units, at least 30% affordable), green space, and more.
Fields at RFK: Preservation and continued operation during construction.
SportsPlex: $89 million allocated in the FY 2026 budget for year-round youth sporting events.
Kingman Park District: Development for housing, mixed-use areas, and recreational space.
Accessibility: RFK Campus will feature public transit options and 8,000 parking spots for visitors.
Economic Impact: 14,000 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs, $4 billion in tax revenue, and over $15.6 billion in direct spending over 30 years.
READ MORE: DC, Commanders set to announce deal for new stadium at RFK site
Moore discusses DC, Commanders deal for new stadium at RFK site
Maryland Governor Wes Moore spoke about the D.C., Commanders deal for a new stadium at the old RFK site.
Stadium deal details
What we know:
The agreement, which has been a long-standing goal for Mayor Bowser, follows the January signing of the RFK bill by former President Joe Biden. The legislation transferred the 170-plus-acre federal site to local D.C. authorities for development.
FOX 5 reported on the emergence of a framework for the deal, but no agreement had been finalized. The proposed plan includes a new stadium costing over $3 billion, with the Commanders contributing approximately $2.5 billion and D.C. covering around $850 million. Officials are expected to provide further details on these figures during the announcement.
READ MORE: Trump says Washington Redskins is 'superior' name to Commanders
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, former coach Joe Gibbs, former running back John Riggins, former quarterback Doug Williams, former D.C. mayor Anthony Williams, and others attend the press conference to announce the plans for stadium plans
Broader city impacts
Big picture view:
Additionally, discussions reportedly include the construction of a new Metro station. It's not clear if that will be in the deal announced Monday.
The announcement comes on the heels of the NFL Draft and a promising season for the Commanders. However, the city also faces financial challenges, including a billion-dollar budget shortfall and hiring freezes. Questions remain about potential program cuts as Congress, particularly the House, has yet to address a legislative error contributing to the shortfall.
Mayor Bowser has emphasized her priorities, which extend beyond the stadium to include housing, retail, restaurants, and a youth sports complex.
It's our understanding that the Commanders are contracted to play at Northwest Stadium until 2027, with the option to extend. It remains unclear what will happen to the Prince George's County stadium, but Commanders owner Josh Harris has previously said he wants to have a new stadium completed by 2030.
READ MORE: 'Homes Not Stadiums' pushes back on RFK stadium plan with affordable housing campaign
RFK Stadium Deal: DC, Commanders to announce new plan for site
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed a deal to bring the Washington Commanders back to the nation's capital at the RFK stadium site.
Group pushes back
The other side:
A group called "Homes Not Stadiums" pushed back earlier this month against the construction of an NFL stadium at RFK – saying they want D.C. voters to weigh in on what should happen at the defunct site.
They say there’s a better use for the 174 acres of land that make up the RFK Stadium campus — and that’s affordable housing.
The group has filed paperwork with DC’s Board of Elections to get a ballot question in front of DC voters, which — if approved — would block construction of a new stadium at RFK. They argue what DC residents need is affordable housing, and since residents' tax dollars are likely to be spent on a new stadium, voters should have a say. Krish Furnish is one of the organizers.
"We’re going at a zoning approach. It would restructure the zoning to say that no professional sports arena could be built on that land. And if I had a magic wand, I would look to see more affordable housing in the city," said organizer Kris Furnish.
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The Source: Information in this article comes from the D.C. Mayor's Office, the Associated Press, and previous FOX 5 reporting.