Browns Boost Stadium Commitment to $2B As Cleveland Battle Continues

Browns ownership has increased its investment commitment for a new domed stadium and surrounding development to $2 billion, as the NFL franchise and the city of Cleveland remain at odds over its venue future.

The new figure is up $800 million from the $1.2 billion that the Haslam Sports Group said it was willing to spend on building a dome in suburban Brook Park, with the expectation that public funding will cover the other half of the $2.4 billion proposal.

In a letter to fans posted to the team’s website Tuesday, the Browns did not mention a price tag on the proposed stadium like they previously had. It is unclear whether they expect the construction cost to go up, and it is unclear whether the $1.2 billion in proposed public funding could change.

“The enclosed stadium will draw millions of visitors to the region throughout the year for premier large-scale events which will drive the fiscal and economic impact necessary to pay for the public portion of the funding model,” the letter read. The Browns also said in the letter that they hope to build the dome “without requiring existing taxpayer revenues.”

The Browns’ current lease at Huntington Bank Field in downtown Cleveland ends in 2028.

Cleveland Court Battles

Also on Tuesday, the Browns asked a federal court judge for permission to file an updated lawsuit against the city of Cleveland over the “Modell Law,” which was colloquially named for the late former Browns owner Art Modell.

The team first sued the city in October seeking clarity on the Ohio law that states a pro team in the state playing in a publicly supported stadium cannot move without giving the city in question six months’ notice and an opportunity to buy the franchise.

In December, the city of Cleveland sent formal notice to the Browns that it intended to enforce the Modell Law and then countersued the team in January.