Washington Commanders set to return to D.C. with new RFK stadium project

Pro football appears headed back to the nation’s capital, and DC Correspondent Alex Cameron has a front row seat.

The Washington Commanders are expected to return to the District of Columbia, playing at the site of the old RFK Stadium. While the stadium has stood vacant for more than 20 years, plans call for it to be torn down and replaced with a major new development. Team ownership and city leaders are expected to contribute significant funding for the project, though a completion date has not been set.

Fans have long voiced frustration with FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, and excitement has grown around the Commanders after last season’s run to the NFC Championship Game.

Pro football excitement grows in D.C.

The move is expected to revitalize football in the city, where hockey’s Washington Capitals have carried much of the local sports spotlight. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has already energized the fan base, and supporters say the return to D.C. adds to the momentum.

"In D.C., there's a lot of excitement each year about the Washington Capitals, an NHL hockey team," Cameron said. "But people are getting fired up again about pro football here in the district."

NCAA football finances may draw congressional attention

Beyond professional football, questions continue in Washington about the future of college football and the NCAA. Some lawmakers have raised the possibility of federal legislation to address the sport’s business model, including antitrust protections and potential salary cap discussions.

"I've heard kind of some whispers about some legislation that could potentially be out there, but nothing that's really gained any traction at this point," Cameron said. "But it's something that I'll be talking with our members about this fall to see where they stand on this."