CLEVELAND — A legal dispute has erupted between the Cleveland Browns and the city over the team’s proposed relocation to a new stadium in the suburbs.
On Thursday, the NFL franchise announced that it has initiated a lawsuit in federal court seeking clarity regarding the so-called “Modell Law.” This law is reportedly being considered by the city as a means to prevent the Browns from departing after their lease at Huntington Bank Field, located on the waterfront, expires in 2028.
Since the 1940s, the Browns have held their home games in downtown Cleveland, using the current stadium with a capacity of 65,000 since its opening in 1999.
Recently, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam revealed plans for a new domed stadium and entertainment venue in Brook Park, situated about 15 miles south of the city.
The Cleveland City Council has raised concerns this week, hinting at the potential invocation of the “Modell Law.” This law derives its name from former team owner Art Modell, who, after unsuccessful negotiations to secure a new stadium with the city, relocated the franchise to Baltimore following the 1995 season, where it was rebranded as the Ravens.
First enacted in 1996, this state law has previously been employed to prevent the Columbus Crew, a Major League Soccer team, from moving to Texas in 2019. The Crew remained in Ohio, eventually being acquired by the Haslams, who also hold ownership stakes in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Dave Jenkins, CEO of Haslam Sports Group, expressed the team’s intent to clear this matter from the political arena, stating, “Today’s action for declaratory judgment was filed to help us advance this transformative project and make the new domed Huntington Bank Field in Brook Park a reality.”
He added that despite no wish for a prolonged legal conflict, they are committed to developing a project that will positively impact the Greater Cleveland area through a domed stadium and adjoining mixed-use developments. This initiative, according to Jenkins, is projected to attract major events and stimulate economic activity, driving significant revenue for the city, county, and state.
The Browns explored various alternatives, including an overhaul of their existing stadium but determined that renovation costs were prohibitive. The city proposed a $461 million investment for renovations intended to bolster development around the lakefront area near the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Cleveland’s Mayor Justin Bibb expressed disappointment regarding the Haslams’ intentions, calling their decision to move the franchise “frustrating and profoundly disheartening.”