The Washington Commanders have tentatively agreed to play their games in Washington again at the start of the next decade. It would be a big deal for all of Washington’s sports teams.
This week has been big news for the Washington Commanders NFL team. They are set to return to Washington, D.C., by 2030, following a preliminary agreement reached with the city on Monday to construct a new 65,000-seat domed stadium on the historic RFK Stadium site, located east of the Capitol and adjacent to the D.C. Armory.
There are still many hurdles to overcome, especially a vote by the D.C. Council. And there will be NIMBY’s. However, let’s take a step back and assume that the project proceeds. If so, the Commanders will be in D.C. starting in the 2030 season. And it would mean something bigger.
With a potential Commanders move to D.C., all major professional sports teams will play within D.C. proper, which goes beyond just the “Big Four”:
- The Washington Wizards (NBA) and Washington Capitals (NHL) play at Capital One Arena in Chinatown. Furthermore, the Wizards and Capitals would also be playing at the newly renovated Capital One Arena.
- The Washington Nationals (MLB) play at Nationals Park near the Washington Navy Yard and Marine Barracks.
- D.C. United (MLS) and Washington Spirit (NWSL) play at Audi Field, just a few blocks from the Nationals.
- The Washington Mystics (WNBA) play at CareFirst Arena in Congress Heights. The Mystics are also playing some games at Capital One Arena.
It has been many years, definitely more than 40 or even 50 years, since all of Washington’s major sports teams (and yes, we’ll include the MLS, WNBA, and NWSL for these purposes) play in the same jurisdiction. Assuming all of this goes through, you have to give the D.C. government a hat tip for ensuring that all of the major sports teams are playing in the city that they represent.
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