Commanders owner wants new stadium by 2030

Washington Commanders managing partner Josh Harris expects a new stadium by 2030. He’s just not sure whether it’s in Maryland or Washington, D.C.

In his annual State of the Team address on Monday, Harris discussed stadium talks, team name change and future Northwest Stadium upgrades. And, finishing 14-6 to reach the NFC Championship Game was "amazing and better than anyone expected."

Washington is Harris’ unstated preference after repeatedly mentioning its history of hosting the team from 1937-96. He cited the RFK site as most easily accessible to fans in Maryland and Virginia given its metro stop.

"Its location is the most acceptable," Harris said, "but there’s a lot of things that go into this. It’s not just our decision."

Harris conceded Washington didn’t have a seat at the negotiations table until a late December U.S. Senate passage extending the federal property’s lease with the city through 2124. Harris and minority partners Mark Ein and Mitch Rales were photographed alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser and former President Joe Biden when the latter signed the deal.

Washington is now finalizing that agreement so Bowser can begin official talks with Harris. Maryland governor Wes Moore has also actively courted the Commanders since June to remain in Landover, Md., aside from their current Northwest Stadium.

Harris said it will be up to Washington and Maryland leaders on whether the team is building a stadium or an entertainment complex. Maryland welcomes the latter while Washington leaders are grappling with housing needs. City Council chairman Phil Mendelson and Bowser canceled a public forum on Monday over land use without comment.

The two city leaders don’t want a messy meeting with city activists opposing the stadium for housing needs. The forum was to be held on the other side of town rather than in neighborhoods surrounding the RFK Stadium site to likely decrease opposition.

Harris declined to comment on whether public or private money would pay for the stadium, citing ongoing negotiations.

"Negotiations don’t happen in a smooth way," Harris said. "Anything we do will create massive economic opportunity."

Currently, Harris said the team is focusing on Northwest Stadium improvements, citing the upper deck as a focus. The team’s training facility is also undergoing upgrades.

Meanwhile, Harris slammed shut speculation over a potential name change wanted by a segment of fans. It’s not happening.

"Now in this building, the name Commanders means something," Harris said. "It's about players who love football, are mentally tough great teammates. That name is growing in meaning."

After another name inquiry, Harris doubled down on no name change, saying, "I think it's now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. So, we're going with that."

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.