CLEVELAND — The Haslam Sports Group (HSG), owners of the Cleveland Browns, announced on Thursday that it will proceed with the proposed Cleveland Browns Brook Park domed stadium and mixed-use development regardless of Cuyahoga County’s participation.
In a letter addressed to County Executive Chris Ronayne, HSG Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins criticized Ronayne’s opposition to the project and expressed disappointment over what he described as “misleading information.” Jenkins emphasized that while collaboration with the county would be beneficial, the Cleveland Browns Brook Park domed stadium is not contingent on it.
Key Issues at the Center of the Stadium Dispute
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County Opposition: Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne opposes the Brook Park plan, calling it a “risky bet” and favoring a downtown renovation instead.
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Funding Dispute: HSG seeks $600 million in state bonds and another $600 million from local governments, while Ronayne and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb propose a $350 million state investment for renovating the current stadium.
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Private vs. Public Investment: HSG has pledged over $2 billion in private capital but insists that public contributions are necessary for the full project.
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Economic Impact Debate: HSG claims the domed stadium will create more year-round economic benefits than a renovated open-air stadium used mainly for Browns games.
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State-Level Lobbying: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and HSG leadership are lobbying Ohio lawmakers and Governor DeWine to secure state support.
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Timeline Pressure: The Ohio Senate must approve the budget by June 30 for the project’s proposed state funding to move forward.
Details of the Brook Park Stadium Proposal
The proposed development includes a $2.4 billion domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns and an additional $1 billion in surrounding mixed-use infrastructure. HSG and its partners plan to invest over $2 billion in private funding and are seeking $600 million from the state of Ohio through bond financing. The project also anticipates $600 million in public funding from Brook Park and Cuyahoga County through taxes and surcharges.
While the Ohio House has approved the state’s share in its budget proposal, the Senate is still deliberating, with a final decision expected by June 30.
Downtown Renovation Proposal Faces Off with New Stadium Vision
Ronayne and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb have publicly opposed the Brook Park plan, advocating instead for a renovation of the current lakefront stadium, Huntington Bank Field. They have proposed a $350 million state investment to support the renovation and pledged that the city and county would meet HSG’s public funding request if the renovation plan is adopted.
HSG argues that building the Cleveland Browns Brook Park domed stadium is a more strategic and fiscally responsible solution, citing its potential for year-round economic activity and long-term viability. The group maintains that a renovation would be a temporary fix and not yield the same level of regional economic benefit.
State Support and NFL Backing Add Momentum
The project has received support from state officials and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who recently met with Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and legislative leaders to discuss the Cleveland Browns Brook Park domed stadium project.
A final decision on state funding is expected as part of the budget process later this summer. HSG reiterated that it is prepared to move forward with or without local government support to realize the Cleveland Browns Brook Park domed stadium vision.
