Press Releases

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin recently called a special session of the Virginia General Assembly, which convenes today. Lawmakers may consider consolidated legislation to establish a funding stream for the construction of a new Washington Commanders stadium in Northern Virginia in this or a subsequent session.

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) has worked with colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to introduce legislation to prevent federal tax dollars from being used to subsidize the construction of sports stadiums. The No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act of 2022 would end the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds that are used to finance professional sports stadiums.

Beyer, who represents Northern Virginia, wrote that “super-rich sports team owners like Dan Snyder do not need federal support to build their stadiums, and taxpayers should not be forced to fund them.”

Beyer recently met with former employees of the Washington Commanders, who described unacceptable working conditions under Snyder’s ownership. Beyer expressed his strong support for securing the release of the report detailing the results of the investigation commissioned by the NFL into the workplace environment in the Washington Commanders franchise under Snyder, a matter Beyer has since raised with colleagues in the House.

Here is additional recent news coverage of the stadium controversy, in case you missed it:

ESPN: Lawmakers introduce bill to eliminate subsidies for pro stadium construction, citing in part Washington Commanders probe

Sports Illustrated: 'Den of Abuse': Should Dan Snyder Pay for New Washington Stadium? Lawmakers Have An Answer

Washington Post: Lawmakers seek to end lucrative tax breaks for pro stadium construction

NBC Sports: Bill introduced to eliminate tax subsidies for pro stadium construction

Bloomberg: Munis for Pro-Sports Stadiums Would Lose Tax Exemption in House Bill

WUSA9: Va. Congressman unveils plan to sack tax perks of state's plan to lure Washington Commanders stadium

DCist: Here’s What’s Left On The Virginia General Assembly’s Plate — And What It Means For Northern Virginia

Washington Post: Commanders eye three possible sites in Virginia for new stadium, entertainment complex

WUSA9: Virginia lawmakers slash bid to bring Washington Commanders' new stadium to the Commonwealth

Loudoun Times-Mirror: Loudoun County officials, Commanders meet over stadium authority legislation

WTOP: Leesburg council opposes NFL stadium in Loudoun; Congress could end tax breaks to teams

Virginia Public Media: NFL stadium backers promise big payout, but details remain scarce