Wizards, Capitals owner Ted Leonsis unveils plan to move teams from D.C. to Virginia
The owner of the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL, Ted Leonsis, has suggested moving the clubs to Virginia by 2028.
The proposed project was announced Wednesday morning by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, founded and run by the 66-year-old. Leonsis reviewed the concept with Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin hours later in Alexandria's Potomac Yard area.
Monumental has only prepared for a public-private collaboration to build an arena in Potomac Yard. Monumental, the state, city, and JBG Smith is supporting the relocation to establish a "world class entertainment district" in Alexandria.
In response to inquiries about the move on Wednesday, Leonsis allegedly declined to comment, characterizing the 70-acre site as a "clean slate."
Monumental and Leonsis lease Capital One Arena's land from the District. Since 1997, the Wizards and Capitals have played in the MCI Center.
Former owner Abe Pollin transferred the teams from Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland, home to the Washington Commanders.
Legislative permission and final documentation are needed. It follows Leonsis' criticism of downtown D.C. crime. The neighborhood is already hurting, so losing two professional franchises may be worse.
On Wednesday, Leonsis pledged to "keep Capital One Arena in D.C. a great place" in response to that worry.
Monumental plans to expand Capital One Arena to 20,000 seats. The arena would hold concerts, comedy acts, and collegiate competitions after renovation, the announcement added.
In the event that the Wizards and Capitals decide to leave, Monumental also has the intention of relocating the Washington Mystics to Capital One Arena.
There was a description of franchise investment as well as game-day experiences that were special to the team in the release.
The Wizards' NBA G League club, the Capital City Go-Go, would practice and play at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Ward 8.
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