Commanders get RFK Stadium site boost
Fans looking for the Washington Commanders to make an emotional return to RFK Stadium were given a significant boost on Wednesday. The United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform approved a bill to extend the site's lease with the Government to 99 years, which is the first step in potentially welcoming the franchise back home.
There is still a long way to go and many twists to come. Maryland and Virginia are also right in the mix when it comes to potentially enticing the Commanders, so this is a good position of leverage for Josh Harris and his wealthy team of investors.
The more interest there is, the more Harris might be able to extract in terms of funds and other factors that might sweeten the pot. This particular bill will now head to a floor vote later this year, but Rep. Stephen Perry slammed the notion of using public money when business is booming around the NFL via Front Office Sports.
"Local and state governments should not be shaken down by corporate interests. The teams aren’t our teams. They don’t belong to the citizens. They belong to an owner. I don’t have to remind you that there have been occasions, unfortunately, when the owner has picked and left in the middle of the night for another city after taxpayers were on the hook to pay for their new stadium that no longer suits them."Stephen Perry via Front Office Sports
Harris will be watching every move and reacting accordingly. The RFK Stadium site would be the preferred option among most fans given the history associated with the venue, but things aren't always that simple.