COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House unveiled a budget proposal this week that includes $600 million in bonds to fund a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns in Brook Park, despite opposition from Gov. Mike DeWine and Cleveland city leaders.
The plan, released by the House Finance Committee as part of the state’s two-year budget, would support the Browns’ relocation from Cleveland, a move backed by team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam. The Haslams, through Haslam Sports Group, have requested $1.2 billion in bonds from state and local leaders to cover half the cost of the stadium project, which includes a new entertainment district. The state would repay its $600 million bond using tax revenue generated by the development, with the total cost, including interest, estimated at $1 billion over 30 years.
Haslam Sports Group has committed to an initial $38 million investment to assist with repayment if the stadium underperforms financially, with potential increases to $130 million. The proposal has drawn criticism from Cleveland officials, who argue it violates the Modell Law, which limits the relocation of professional sports teams using taxpayer-funded facilities. Critics also question the economic benefits of the project.
Gov. DeWine opposes the use of taxpayer money for the stadium, instead advocating for doubling the gaming tax to fund youth sports and sports facility construction. The House budget rejects DeWine’s gaming tax proposal and limits its stadium funding to the Browns’ project, excluding other Ohio teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, who may face costly renovations at Paycor Stadium, and the Columbus Blue Jackets, whose Nationwide Arena is slated for updates by Franklin County leaders.