Commanders Return Home: RFK Stadium Revives its Glory in Washington

The Commanders’ Triumphant Return to RFK: A Dream Come True

On April 28, Josh Harris, owner of the Washington Commanders, addressed a group of reporters after finalizing one of the most significant agreements in the recent history of the franchise. The occasion, marked by the presence of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, reflected the culmination of a difficult process: the return of the Commanders to the iconic RFK stadium location. Harris, visibly excited, expressed his joy at this crucial step: “What an incredible day. It’s a great day in our process of bringing the Commanders home.” This return to the city of Washington, D.C., represents much more than a change of venue; it is a reconnection with a glorious past and an attempt to leave behind the years of challenges under the previous administration. The agreement reached with the city marks a significant milestone, granting the Commanders the “first and ten” on their path back to RFK, with the D.C. council’s approval for the stadium and plans for the 174-acre site. Although a second vote is required on September 17, sources close to the process suggest that this will be a mere formality. The new stadium, whose inauguration is scheduled for 2030, symbolizes the next phase in the franchise’s resurgence under the direction of Harris and his investment group.

For me, they are memories. Some of my happiest days were cheering for the old team watching the Super Bowls, watching the greats. Being able to allow the city to have the same excitement that I had growing up that we have missed for so many years. That’s what it’s about. It’s an incredible feeling.

Josh Harris

Timeline of the Return to RFK: A Path Full of Obstacles

The road to the Commanders’ return to RFK has been long and complex, with several key moments that shaped the course of this project. The first major change occurred on November 2, 2022, with the announcement by the then-owners, Dan and Tanya Snyder, of their intention to sell the franchise. This decision was the main catalyst for the return to RFK. A change in the U.S. House of Representatives facilitated progress on the stadium site. The new administration, with James Comer at the head of the Oversight Committee, opened the doors to new negotiations. Comer and Mayor Bowser established a strong relationship, boosting the project.

In July 2023, Josh Harris acquired the Commanders, marking the beginning of a new era. Harris, along with other investors, met with Mayor Bowser to express their commitment to the team’s return to the city.

On December 21, 2024, a major obstacle was overcome in the Capitol, thanks to a last-minute agreement in Congress. The team’s tenacity and its allies in the government managed to secure the transfer of federal land for the construction of the stadium, despite the controversy generated by a tweet from Elon Musk. On April 28, 2025, the agreement for the stadium’s construction was officially announced, with a significant investment from the team and the city. The project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art stadium, as well as the development of a sports, residential, and commercial complex. On July 20, 2025, then-President Donald Trump threatened to intervene in the stadium deal if the team did not reconsider its name. Despite these statements, Mayor Bowser maintained a diplomatic stance, seeking to secure the project’s approval. On July 23, 2025, the D.C. council modified the financial terms of the stadium agreement, paving the way for the final vote. After several meetings and public hearings, an agreement was reached that benefited the city. On August 1, 2025, the D.C. council voted in favor of building the stadium on the RFK site, with a majority of 9-3. This approval marked a crucial milestone, bringing the Commanders closer to their longed-for homecoming.