The long-awaited RFK Stadium vote is finally scheduled to take place next week. DC Council Chairman Phil Mendelson announced Thursday that council will vote August 1st on the revised stadium redevelopment agreement. This development comes after weeks of negotiations between council leadership and the Washington Commander. It also brings the team one step closer to returning to their former home in the nation’s capital.
Breakthrough Agreement Reached
The RFK Stadium vote represents a significant breakthrough in what has been a contentious process. Mendelson and other members of the council worked with the Washington Commanders to revise Mayor Muriel Bowser’s original proposal. They affressed key concerns that had previously stalled progress on the stadium deal.
Chairman Mendelson has reached a modified agreement with the Washington Commanders to redevelop the RFK Stadium site with public funds. It marks a crucial compromise that appears to have satisfied both parties after extensive negotiations.
Official Statement from Chairman Mendelson
In his official statement released today, Chairman Phil Mendelson announced:
“Today we’re scheduling a vote for Friday August 1, 2025 to consider the RFK campus legislation. We’ve been working with the Washington Commanders for several weeks and we feel we have a much-improved agreement.”
What’s Changed in the Agreement
The chairman’s statement signals a significant shift from his previously cautious stance on the stadium proposal. Did the modified terms address his primary concerns about the financial structure of the deal?
Officials have not yet fully disclosed the specific details of the revised agreement. The initial proposal for the $3.8 billion stadium saw a $2.7 billion investment from the Commanders, with the remaining funds requiring public financing – a structure that had raised questions among council members.
Commanders Express Optimism
The team expressed excitement about the upcoming August 1 vote, saying they are “thrilled that the Council will vote to hopefully support this project,” and they praised lawmakers for “working to keep us moving toward our goal of opening our new stadium for 2030.”
The team’s enthusiasm underscores just how high the stakes are — both symbolically and practically — as they seek to return to Washington, D.C., after decades in Maryland.
Path Forward
With the vote now officially set, the revised agreement is widely expected to pass, given Chairman Mendelson’s public endorsement. If approved, it would mark a critical milestone in the Commanders’ effort to reestablish their presence in the District.
Ultimately, the outcome of next week’s vote will determine whether the Commanders can move forward. They have ambitious plans for the new stadium on the RFK site.
The hope is that they can open in time for the 2030 NFL season.