President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill transferring control of the land surrounding the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia, marking a significant step toward the redevelopment of the site—and potentially paving the way for the NFL’s Washington Commanders to return to the nation’s capital.
The legislation grants D.C. control of the 190-acre site for the next 99 years, allowing for the dilapidated RFK Stadium to be demolished and the area redeveloped. While there are many possibilities for the site, one notable option is constructing a new football stadium alongside entertainment venues at the Commanders’ former home.
A Win for D.C.’s Vision
“It is a good day for D.C. when we finally have control of our own destiny at the RFK campus,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser after attending the bill-signing ceremony for the D.C. Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act.
Bowser highlighted the opportunity to transform the space into a hub for housing, recreation, sports, economic growth, and green spaces. “We are ready and optimistic about unlocking the full potential of this space, and with more than 170 acres of land, we can do it all,” she added.
The mayor attributed the milestone to years of strategic advocacy, bipartisan collaboration, and leadership.
A Long Road to Approval
The resolution narrowly passed Congress in the early morning hours of Dec. 21, just before the holiday recess. Its inclusion in the year-end spending bill faced a last-minute hurdle when it was initially removed, threatening efforts made by Bowser, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Commanders owner Josh Harris, who lobbied lawmakers earlier in December.
Commanders’ Future Still Uncertain
While the land transfer clears a major hurdle, it doesn’t guarantee that the Washington Commanders will return to D.C. The team is still exploring options for building a new stadium in other areas of the District, Maryland, and Virginia.
The Commanders’ lease at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, runs through 2027, with controlling owner Josh Harris identifying 2030 as a “reasonable target” for a new venue. The team played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996, an era that included three Super Bowl victories between 1982 and 1991.
Harris, along with co-owners Mitch Rales and Mark Ein, grew up as fans during the team’s glory years at RFK. While the dream of returning to the District is alive, the decision on the Commanders’ next home remains unresolved.
