The limitations that soon-to-be former Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder had in trying to build a new stadium may soon be lifted once the keys to the franchise are handed over to the new ownership group.
Daniel Snyder’s decision to sell the Washington Commanders wasn’t one made from a disinterest in being among of the few individuals in the world that controls a franchise in the most popular sport in America. No, he is selling the team after a couple of years dominated by scandals involving the organization’s business practices and a tenure as the owner that has been forgettable.
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Washington Commanders fans soured on Snyder long ago, however, it was his fellow owners and lawmakers who put enough pressure on the 58-year-old to finally sell the team. This is what he reportedly agreed to do last week as he and a group led by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils co-owner Josh Harris came to terms on a deal worth over $6 billion.
Before being pushed into selling the franchise, Snyder had tried to put together a deal to construct a new stadium. However, the investigations into the team on misconduct inside the organization and financial improprieties shifted local support and taxpayer funding away from the idea. That may now have changed after the sale.
Washington Commanders record (2022): 8-8-1, last place in NFC East
On Monday, Virginia state delegate David Reid (D-Loudoun County) told Front Office Sports that “What had happened is an economic development opportunity for Virginia had, unfortunately, become a referendum on the commander’s owner.”
Yet, Virginia wasn’t the only state that was wary of working with Snyder on a new Washington Commanders stadium. Maryland was also reluctant to have a new venue built in their state as well. However, the outlet reports that with a new ownership group in charge, those states would now be open to the team constructing a new venue in their locales.
Another option that could be possible as well is to build on the former site of RFK Stadium, in Washington D.C. The previous long-time home of the Washington Commanders organization. The current mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, has recently made a public push for the team to return to the district.
A new stadium is likely to cost between $1 billion to $3 billion.