Capitals and Wizards Owner Ted Leonsis Announces Plans to Move Franchises to Northern Virginia by 2028

2023-12-13 15:01:51

In the last few days, the subject of the Capitals and their next arena has gained momentum.

After all, it was known that the club was looking at its options outside of DC itself, but it was unclear how realistic the discussions were regarding a new arena.

Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Capitals (and the Wizards, in the NBA), did not only negotiate to keep his two clubs in the Washington arena. He had other options on the table.

For example? Virginia.

What you need to know is that the Capitals train in Virginia. So the plan to move the club to a new arena there isn’t exactly something that would shake things up for the guys.

And that’s obviously what we’re heading towards. After all, Mr. Leonsis held a press conference this morning to announce his plan to move the Wizards and Capitals to a new arena in Virginia.

NEWS: Washington Wizards and Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis announced plans Wednesday to move his NBA and NHL franchises from downtown D.C. to northern Virginia, with a goal to be in a new arena by 2028.

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— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 13, 2023

The goal? Moving in 2028.

Remember that yesterday, we learned that the city of Washington really wanted to keep its teams. She tried to retain her teams by announcing $500 million in renovations to the two clubs’ current arenas.

But as a press conference was planned this morning to announce the agreement in principle between the clubs and Virginia, we can think that it was simply to save face publicly that such news was publicly announced by the city .

After all, you don’t change such big plans with 24 hours’ notice.

While most NHL teams try to get closer to downtown (like the Senators, for example), the Capitals take the opposite route by wanting to go to Alexandria.

It’s a few kilometers from DC (20 minutes by car, like) and it’s not far, but it still remains counterproductive in my eyes. It’s as if the CH moved to Laval or Brossard, like.

But obviously the owner thinks it’s better. Is it because negotiations to keep the club in DC didn’t work out? We might think so.

But OK. Ted Leonsis even wore the Virginia Tech tie, probably to project the image of a guy happy with his decision alongside Glenn Youngkin, the governor of the state.

Ted Leonsis wearing a Virginia Tech tie ???? pic.twitter.com/30F3wo5vza

— Treadmill Horse (@treadmillhorse) December 13, 2023

Note that the agreement in principle speaks of a two billion dollar project. The arena for both teams would be there, as would a training complex for the NBA club as well as hotels, a film studio and condos, among others.

Going across the Potomac River won’t cause the Caps to lose fans, but we’ll see if it’s a good decision.

A lot of

– Indeed.

The Morning Club team received Samuel Montembeault’s agent, Paul Corbeil, earlier today.

The latter spoke out about the menage a trois in front of the Habs net! Direction to listen to the full segment. pic.twitter.com/LHIBYhmiM1

— BPM Sports (@BPMSportsRadio) December 13, 2023

– Bob Gainey celebrates his 70th birthday.

Happy birthday to former Canadiens captain, coach and GM Bob Gainey. The Hall of Famer turns 70 today. #Habs #HasIO pic.twitter.com/QWOEeCuPjN

— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) December 13, 2023

– Good question. Jayden Struble is playing better and better, in fact.

You can only keep one of the following three defenders, what would be your choice? pic.twitter.com/p6o79eSTZu

— L’Antichambre (@Antichambre) December 13, 2023

– Collectively, Connor McDavid won. Individually, Connor Bedard won.