Report: Leonsis discussed potential Wizards, Capitals arena with Maryland governor

After Virginia lawmakers balked on a deal to build an arena south of the Potomac for the Washington Wizards and Capitals, Monumental Sports and Entertainment owner Ted Leonsis is exploring options in Maryland.

According to a report from the Baltimore Banner, Leonsis met with Maryland Gov. Wes Moore about a potential stadium in his state.

The Washington Times reached out to Monumental Sports and the governor’s office, but officials said they were unable to comment on the record.

Multiple Maryland lawmakers told the Banner they had not been contacted about a potential new stadium, but the state has recently agreed to taxpayer-funded improvements for the site around the Landover home of the Washington Commanders, the Baltimore stadiums of the Orioles and the Ravens, and the Pimlico track that is the home to The Preakness.

Monumental’s plan to build a new arena in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard ran into staunch opposition from residents and state lawmakers. 

Though Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin worked with Leonsis on the proposed arena, Democratic lawmakers killed legislation allowing public funds for the project.

“It places too much risk on the commonwealth,” Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas said in February. “The governor’s proposed deal has many unanswered questions and potential conflicts of interest.”

Throughout the legislative session, Lucas traded barbs with Youngkin, claiming that the governor failed to include lawmakers during the planning process.

The Potomac Yard arena is not fully buried, even if its legislation failed to advance. Youngkin could introduce a separate bill or a budget amendment to force legislators to reconsider the deal. The General Assembly will return to Richmond on April 17 to assess the governor’s vetoes and amendments.

Leonsis also has the option to keep his teams in the District at Capital One Arena. In December, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced plans to invest $500 million into the home of the Wizards and Capitals to keep the teams in the city.

Most Maryland lawmakers have focused on keeping their current teams rather than attracting new ones. In December, the Baltimore Orioles agreed to a new 30-year lease at Camden Yards after the state Legislature set aside $600 million for improvements at the ballpark.

The state has also allotted $400 million in bonds to enhance the area around the Commanders’ Landover stadium, though no money has been assigned to the stadium itself. 

Moore has said keeping the team in Prince George’s County is a top priority for his administration as the Commanders consider options in the District, Maryland and Virginia.