It was quiet, too quiet for too long, but suddenly the Washington Commanders new stadium is the hottest game in the region.
Virginia tried to make the first move a winning one with an offer Commanders owner Dan Snyder couldn't refuse. But, reality hit when the $1 billion sticker shock started wearing off, and legislators haven't passed a bill once realizing that's real money they're giving away.
Maryland reacted to Virginia's offer by coming public with its own project to revitalize Landover that has long been dormant since its signature mall was demolished. The offer has much less cash up front, but Snyder already owns the land, and the secondary market of cash involving surrounding businesses makes it an attractive deal, too.
And Washington, well it wants to be a player but doesn't have the bankroll or bloodlust for such a high-stakes game. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to bank on the best regional location and close Metro access versus a cash giveaway. And, that wouldn't be a bad offer if many city residents didn't prefer everyday housing and businesses more than a stadium. Meanwhile, there's a bid for the city to gain permanent control over the federal land at RFK Stadium, but that's smoke and broken mirrors.
Ultimately, the RFK site is what's best for the region but not for the owner. Snyder's making the call and it will be direct to his bank vault.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan says Snyder is trying to play the regions against each other. Uh – that's how it works everywhere and every business. Amazon courted several states before building in Arlington. Snyder's no different. This isn't a non-profit we're discussing. It's a multi-billion-dollar business in the world's biggest sports league.
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There are no hometown discounts here. Just like free agents, Snyder will pick the best move for himself. If fans have to spend a generation traveling to some far-flung land in Virginia to enrich Snyder, then so be it. His helicopter can get there in record time.
It's not clear which side lands the stadium. Washington for all its political promises can't really deliver. (Honk if you've heard that before.) Virginia still needs to decide whether it really wants to give away so much money on a deal it will never recoup. See Richmond training camp the past decade as an example. And Maryland wonders if it can really awaken Landover's potential a generation after first gaining the stadium. At least the state isn't risking a billion bucks.
The bidding will intensify in coming months with a probable first choice emerging by year's end. But then, the late Jack Kent Cooke needed three press conferences before finally landing in Raljon.
Either everyone's all in or somebody's bluffing, but the highest-stakes game ever in local sports has begun.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
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