Washington Capitals and Wizards Plan Move to Virginia, Sparking Concern for Downtown D.C.

D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser Pledges to Fight for Teams with $500 Million Offer

Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals and Wizards, has announced tentative plans to move the teams from downtown D.C. to Northern Virginia, causing concern for the future of downtown D.C.
D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser has pledged to fight to retain the teams and has made a $500 million offer to Leonsis to keep the teams at Capital One Arena.
The proposed move would be a significant economic blow to the District and the Gallery Place-Chinatown neighborhood surrounding Capital One Arena.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has reached a tentative agreement with Leonsis for a $2 billion development in Alexandria, including a new arena and practice facility.
The proposed development in Virginia would need the state legislature's approval and is expected to generate a combined $12 billion in economic impact for Virginia and Alexandria, creating around 30,000 new jobs.