The Cleveland Browns’ plan to build a new $2.4 billion domed stadium in the nearby suburb of Brook Park may hit a roadblock, and it’s coming straight from the city of Cleveland itself. Why? Well, it all comes down to a law passed after the Browns left Ohio once before.
Earlier this year, the Browns made their big announcement: they wanted to move into a shiny new stadium in Brook Park. But Cleveland is having none of it. The city’s leadership is ready to stop the move, using a law known as the Modell Law to keep the team where it belongs.
So, what’s the Modell Law? It’s named after Art Modell, the former Browns owner who packed up and moved the team to Baltimore back in 1995, where it became the Ravens. The law states that if an Ohio-based pro sports team plays in a publicly funded stadium, it can’t leave without giving the city six months’ notice. Oh, and the city must also have a chance to buy the team if it wants.
Cleveland is ready to invoke this law. In fact, the city has already sent a formal notice to the Browns, saying they intend to enforce it. The mayor of Cleveland, Justin Bibb, even sent a letter to team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, telling them the city is ready to step in and lead efforts to buy the team if the opportunity arises. The letter gives the Browns until January 9 to respond, or the city will take legal action.
The Browns aren’t backing down. They’ve filed a lawsuit against the city in federal court, arguing that the Modell Law is unconstitutional. The Haslams say that while the law may be causing some uncertainty, they remain focused on their goal of building a new stadium that would attract big events and boost the region’s economy. They also hope to get public funding for half of the $2.4 billion project.
Though the Browns are eager to leave their current home (Huntington Bank Field) after the 2028 season, the path ahead is anything but clear. As things stand, they’ll need to work through the city’s legal challenge before any stadium plans can move forward.
In the meantime, the Browns are wrapping up a rough season with a record of 3-13, after battling injuries and a tough schedule. They’ll finish the season against the Ravens on Saturday. The drama between the team and the city? Well, it’s just beginning.
