New Developments: The Commanders’ Return to D.C. Takes Shape

The stadium redevelopment project involving the Washington Commanders is a planned mixed-use development at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington. An agreement announced on April 28, 2025 outlined plans for the construction of a new stadium and associated redevelopment works.

The proposed stadium is planned for the site previously occupied by RFK Stadium, where the team played from 1961 to 1996. Construction is expected to proceed following approval processes involving the D.C. Council, with the stadium targeted to open in 2030.

Under the agreement, the Washington Commanders are expected to invest approximately $2.7 billion toward the stadium project, while the city is planned to contribute funding toward broader redevelopment activities over several years. The wider development proposal includes parkland, residential areas, and sports-related infrastructure across the surrounding site.

Other Projects

The Washington Commanders stadium marking its return to DC is not the only NFL stadium taking shape as the Chicago Bears also make strides. The proposed $3bn Chicago Bears stadium plans is on the agenda this week as NFL owners meet for next steps. The NFL owners meeting begins Tuesday in Orlando and the Chicago Bears stadium search is one of the key topics. The NFL team aims to construct a new $3bn stadium in the city despite the plan being proposed three years ago. However, Bears CEO Kevin Warren has said the team will have a decision on new stadium plans by “late spring, early summer.”

Chicago Bears Stadium Plans

Mayor’s budget proposal reallocates $395 million

In her Fiscal Year 2026 budget unveiled on May 27, Mayor Bowser repurposed $395 million that the city had set aside for a now-canceled jail project. The city now earmarks that money for site preparation, utilities, roads, and other foundation work at RFK.

The Council must approve the $1.1 billion in city spending (including the $395 million reallocation). Debate centers on ensuring community benefits—and avoiding a large annual subsidy—before officials can finalize the lease. A vote will likely occur in the first two weeks of June.

Once the Council grants approval, crews will tear down RFK’s old structures to clear the site. Officials haven’t fixed demolition timelines yet but expect work to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.
Major construction work on the stadium itself will start in the fall or winter of 2026, after teams complete all planning, permits, and site work.

Parallel to the stadium build, the plan includes new parks, housing, retail spaces, a sportsplex and other amenities across the RFK campus. Early phases of those surrounding developments will roll out beginning in 2027 through 2029.

What the Commanders’ New Stadium in D.C. Means for Fans and the City

The road to returning to D.C. has been a long time in the making. The new ownership group of the Commanders, which purchased the team from Dan Snyder in 2022, weighed potential sites in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia. A breakthrough was made earlier this year when Congress passed a bill granting the District authority over the RFK Stadium site — legislation that was signed into law by President Joe Biden after aggressive lobbying by team owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

As exciting as the possibility of the Commanders return to D.C. is, there are still challenges ahead. The stadium deal still needs to be approved by the D.C. Council, and not all members are on board. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and others have questioned the use of public funds for the stadium.

“I don’t believe taxpayer money should be spent on a stadium,” Mendelson said to The Washington Post earlier this month.

As talks continue, this much is sure: The Commanders’ long anticipated homecoming is closer than it has been in years — and if all aligns properly, fans could be cheering in a state-of-the-art new stadium at the historic RFK site by the start of the next decade.

Commanders’ New Stadium in D.C.: Project Factsheet

Project Overview

The Washington Commanders will return to Washington, D.C. with a new stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site, ending their stay in Maryland that began in 1996.

Timeline:

Groundbreaking expected next year (pending approval)

Stadium completion targeted for 2030

Investment:

Total development: Approximately $4 billion

Commanders contribution: $2.7 billion

D.C. government: $1.1 billion over 8 years

Development Scope:

170-acre redevelopment along Anacostia River

Stadium footprint: 16 acres

Additional features: Green spaces, housing, sports complex

Commanders’ New Stadium: Key Milestones

Agreement announced by Commanders and Mayor Muriel Bowser

Congress transferred RFK land control to the District

D.C. Council approval still required, with some opposition from Chairman Phil Mendelson and others

Construction Review