LANDOVER, Md. (7News) — Back in December, when it became clear the Washington Commanders would be leaving Maryland, 7News obtained a 3-page “Memorandum of Understanding” between the team and Maryland Governor Wes Moore about what would happen to the current Northwest stadium, long known as FedEx Field, after the team leaves.
An important point from the Memorandum of Understanding included that the demolition of the aging stadium will start no later than 90 days after the team starts playing at a new stadium. They’ll work together to transform the site into a “vibrant mixed-use development.” The development must be “responsive to local needs.”
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On Monday, team owner Josh Harris said that only he would do right by the community, and he’s leaving.
“Obviously, we’ve made commitments in Maryland as to making that site a great site,” Harris said.
Governor Wes Moore said he tried to keep the team in Maryland, but that was always going to be a losing battle. He said he got the best deal he could.
“They were clear from the first time they purchased the team for over $6B that they wanted to return the team to its spiritual home of Washington, D.C., so we understand that,” Moore said. “But we also knew that with the early conversations with the ownership group of the Washington Commanders that they were not just going to leave Maryland with an RFK stadium. With an empty stadium with people just looking around, saying who’s going to pay for it. Their commitment is to both pay for the tear down and be the master developer also be able to work with state and local officials and the community to be able to have something that is prosperous and more involved than what we have right now, which is essentially 200 acres that’s used eight times a year.”
Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara Jackson also released the following statement:
“Prince George’s County has been proud to call the Washington Commanders our home team for nearly three decades. As the team begins its next chapter, we look forward to hosting them over the next five years and working with the Commanders organization on a bold vision to redevelop the Northwest Stadium site into something truly transformational. This moment presents an extraordinary opportunity—not just for football fans, but for families and small businesses across the County. We remain fully committed to redeveloping the Landover site into a dynamic, mixed-use sports and entertainment district that enhances the fan experience and benefits our community year-round. Anchored by the growing Blue Line Corridor, this project is about more than football. It’s about jobs, transit-oriented development, cultural vibrancy, and creating the kinds of amenities our residents have long deserved. We’ve already committed $500 million in public investment to bring signature venues and infrastructure upgrades to this corridor—investments that have helped spark nearly $2 billion in private development, including $750 million from minority developers. The future of the site holds real promise, and we’re excited to keep building on this momentum. Our work continues to ensure that Prince Georgians are not just spectators but stakeholders in the region’s growth. The team’s legacy here will remain a meaningful part of that story. We look forward to cheering on the Commanders continuing on-field success, and we are ready for what comes next.”
