The Cleveland Browns may be deep into the Deshaun Watson drama, but that is not their only focus. Team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam are reportedly looking into a massive new stadium project.
According to cleveland.com via NEOtrans, the Haslams are interested in a new $1 billion stadium for the team. NEOtrans writer Ken Prendergast reported that the Browns are even open to moving into downtown Cleveland to facilitate this project.
The team has yet to outright deny the reports. Cleveland's senior vice president of communications Peter John-Baptiste told NEOtrans over the phone that they were “a little too far out in front” of the story. He provided no clarification on the specifics of the report.
Any new stadium the Browns move into will likely require significant public funding. The team plays at FirstEnergy Stadium, which has been their home since the team re-entered the NFL in 1999.
The $238 million construction of FirstEnergy Stadium required funding via city bonds and a tax placed on alcohol and tobacco purchases in the area.
The Browns are currently conducting “feasibility studies” to see what the new stadium would look like. Only then will the team make a concrete decision on whether to move to a new home.
This news comes on the heels of the ongoing drama involving Watson, who may face a significant suspension from the NFL. Watson is facing numerous allegations of sexual assault dating back to 2020.
The Browns traded for Watson back in March. Cleveland sent five draft picks to the Houston Texans for the 26-year-old. The two sides then agreed to a fully guaranteed four-year, $230 million contract.
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