• Loading stock data...
Saturday, April 4, 2026

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

As Browns fans know all too well, not much comes easily with the team. The awarding of $600 million in state funds toward a new stadium could prove that once again.

Cleveland Browns/HKS

The Browns are officially getting $600 million in state money toward a planned domed stadium and mixed-use development in suburban Brook Park, Ohio. The fallout from that budget decision, however, is still unfolding. 

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law late Monday a state budget that includes a $600 million “performance grant” for the Browns. Those funds, approved last week by the Ohio legislature, will be paid out from an account of unclaimed state funds, such as utility deposits, uncashed cashier’s checks, and forgotten bank accounts, and repaid through future tax revenues. 

DeWine said he opposed that structure, but nonetheless, did not exercise line-item veto power to quash it. 

“That was not my first choice. I had another way of doing it,” DeWine said Tuesday morning, of helping fund the Browns’ stadium. “But governors don’t get everything they want. … My criteria was that it would not spend money out of the general fund and it would not directly compete with education, directly compete with mental health. Stadiums should not compete with mental health, should not compete with education. So this budget, while it doesn’t do it the way I originally designed it … meets those criteria.

“This is a win for taxpayers, and it will provide significant money for things that improve the quality of life in Ohio,” he said. 

A group of former Democratic lawmakers in Ohio, meanwhile, intends to file a class-action lawsuit, calling the use of those unclaimed funds unconstitutional. 

Local Disagreement

The budget signing also codified a change to Ohio’s Modell Law, designed to help prevent pro teams in the state from moving, that will only trigger those protections should a franchise look to relocate out of state. That shift essentially moots an ongoing lawsuit between the Browns and the city of Cleveland. 

More broadly, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb blasted the budget approval and what the Browns’ move to the suburbs will do to the city.

“Relocating the Browns will divert economic activity from downtown, create a competing entertainment district, and disrupt the momentum of our lakefront redevelopment,” Bibb said. “It will also trigger substantial taxpayer-funded infrastructure upgrades—including highway reconfigurations and public safety enhancements—adding significant public costs on top of the stadium itself.”

Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, for their part, cheered the DeWine signing and touted the ambition in their $2.4 billion stadium and development plan. A groundbreaking is now set for early next year, in advance of a planned opening in 2029.  

“The new, enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year,” the pair said in a statement.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 30, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL insider reporter

How Ian Rapoport, Daniel Jeremiah Fit in ESPN’s Plans

ESPN has high hopes for two of NFL Network’s biggest stars.

Brett Yormark and Cody Campbell Fight Over Who Runs Big 12

“He is not the dictator of the conference. That’s not his role.”
Dec 22, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; NFL line judge Robin DeLorenzo (134) gestures during the game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Las Vegas Raiders Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Fired Female NFL Ref Sues League for Unfair Treatment

Robin DeLorenzo is accusing the NFL of gender-based scrutiny.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) (not pictured) during the game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

As Concussions Rise, NFL Shifts Focus to Face Masks

The league is looking to improve an oft-overlooked piece of equipment.

Featured Today

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.
Beau Brune/LSU
March 22, 2026

College Athletic Departments Are Becoming Media Companies

“There’s only so many tickets you can sell, but content is infinite.”
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
March 26, 2026

Dallas Approves Deal As Wings Take Over $81M Practice Facility

The facility was originally scheduled to be completed by the 2026 season.
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, left and center, watch practice with executive vice president J.W. Johnson, right, during minicamp, Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Berea.
March 27, 2026

Browns Boost Stadium Investment Amid Public Funding Uncertainty

Team ownership will now pay more than two-thirds of the venue cost.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
Tennis fans watch a BNP Paribas Open third-round match between Taylor Fritz and Alex Michelsen on Stadium 2 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, Calif., on Monday, March 9, 2026.
March 11, 2026

Indian Wells Reserved-Seating Shift Draws Criticism

A tournament spokesperson says they will “carefully evaluate” their decision.
March 10, 2026

Judge Blocks Plan to Use Unclaimed Funds for Browns Stadium

A preliminary injunction blocks, for now, the use of unclaimed funds.
Aug 25, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; A general view of Progressive Field in the seventh inning of a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Tampa Bay Rays.
March 4, 2026

Ohio Pro Teams Jockey for $400M in Stadium Funds

Nearly every Ohio pro team has applied for public aid for venue renovations.
Brandon Johnson
March 3, 2026

Chicago Makes Last-Ditch Push to Keep Bears

Political division remains in Illinois as stadium deliberations continue.