The D.C. Council hosted D.C. and Commanders leaders for a public hearing on the RFK stadium deal on July 30.
D.C. Mayor’s Office
By Ben Peters – Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal
July 30, 2025
See Correction/Clarification at the end of this article.
Story Highlights
- Washington Commanders offer new concessions to get D.C. stadium deal done.
- Concessions include cost overrun responsibility and local investments.
- D.C. Council headed toward vote on revised deal amid mixed support.
The Washington Commanders on Tuesday night issued a list of new commitments they would make should the D.C. Council approve a deal for a new $3.8 billion stadium complex at the RFK campus — including millions in business subsidies and the assumption of cost overruns.
The concessions package, sent in the form of a letter to councilmembers, arrived on the eve of a hearing at the John A. Wilson Building. Commanders officials, including team President Mark Clouse and Head of Real Estate Andy VanHorn — along with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser — testified in support of the deal. They were questioned by councilmembers seeking clarity and potentially more concessions.
After the hearing, both Bowser and Council Chair Phil Mendelson expressed confidence that the votes are there for approval. Bowser added, however, that negotiations were not yet finalized.
“This is Wednesday,” she said. “We have to get to Friday.”
The team offered to assume full responsibility for cost overruns related to the stadium and parking structures. They also promised to develop the campus with diverse features including a skate park, dog park, public plazas, traditional parks, and open spaces.
Commanders President Mark Clouse, center, and Head of Real Estate Andy VanHorn, to Clouse’s left, testified before D.C. Council on Wednesday.
Photo by Ben Peters
The Commanders also committed $10 million over 10 years to local grocery and business subsidies in Ward 7, including $500,000 to local community development organizations. Clouse affirmed the team’s intent to bring a grocery store to the RFK campus.
Additionally, the team would develop a parking plan that wouldn’t prevent a new infill Metrorail station near Oklahoma Avenue if needed at full buildout.
Other key provisions include:
- Developing a transportation and site-access strategy to minimize event-day impact and improve customer experience.
- Working with the District to distribute parking garages evenly across the site to manage traffic flow — targeting up to 200 events annually. More info here.
- Pausing construction on a third parking garage until further evaluation post-opening.
- Building the stadium to a LEED O+M Platinum standard; mixed-use development will meet at least LEED O+M Gold.
- Signing a project labor agreement for the hotel that mandates a majority of construction jobs go to D.C. residents.
During Wednesday’s hearing, VanHorn said the team plans to engage multiple developers across various parcels, with some potentially sold for joint ventures. “We think of ourselves as kind of a master developer,” he said.
This hearing was the second of the week, ahead of a Friday vote on a revised version of the stadium agreement. A second vote is scheduled for Sept. 17.
Mayor Bowser actively defended the proposal during the hearing, at times clashing with skeptical councilmembers. “To borrow a phrase — this is a BFD,” Bowser said. “We either act now or miss a $2.7 billion private investment opportunity.”
The revised agreement could save the District $779 million over 30 years, with projections reaching up to $950 million in savings. It includes $674 million in redirected stadium-related revenues from parking, merchandise, and food/beverage taxes.
The deal sets deadlines for non-stadium development, with penalties if unmet. The Commanders also agreed to relocate senior leadership and sales offices from College Park to D.C., though their practice facility will remain in Ashburn.
The budget includes:
- $500 million in public funds for stadium construction
- $365 million for parking infrastructure
- $202 million for overall campus infrastructure
Eight of the 12 council members must approve the legislation. Currently, five appear supportive. Due to a CFO analysis, the Commanders are not seen as needing subsidies to build the stadium, increasing scrutiny.
Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) voiced firm opposition to public funding. Christina Henderson (I-At Large) remains undecided. Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) remains skeptical, stating: “We need a better deal.”
Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) has also expressed doubt. Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) is optimistic a deal will be reached. Robert White (D-At Large) called the deal “rushed,” and Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) has not publicly commented.