Washington's NFL team, the Commanders, is set to return to the capital with a new stadium at the historic RFK Stadium site, as per an agreement with the District of Columbia. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced this development, which is pending D.C. City Council approval, in a video featuring former quarterback Joe Theismann. The agreement follows congressional approval for the land transfer to D.C., signed by former President Joe Biden, after significant lobbying efforts. Team ownership, under Josh Harris, has been exploring potential locations in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia since acquiring the team in 2022. The Commanders currently play in Landover, Maryland, with their lease expiring in 2027, and aim to have the new stadium ready by 2030.

The Commanders have reached an agreement with the District of Columbia to construct a new stadium at the site of the old RFK Stadium, pending approval from the D.C. City Council.

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the team announced the decision through a social media video narrated by Joe Theismann, emphasizing the historical significance and future benefits of the new stadium for Washington, D.C.

Congress approved the transfer of RFK Stadium land to D.C., a move signed by former President Joe Biden, after lobbying by Commanders' ownership and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Josh Harris, who bought the Commanders in 2022, has been evaluating sites in Washington, Maryland, and Virginia for the new stadium, reflecting a strategic decision to return to the capital.

The current lease for the Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, is valid until 2027, with aspirations to open the new stadium by 2030.

The Commanders previously played at RFK Stadium from 1961 to 1996 and achieved significant success, including three Super Bowl wins during that time.

Team ownership includes lifelong fans of the franchise, such as Mitch Rales and Mark Ein, who have a personal connection to the team's history and achievements at the RFK site.