The Cleveland Browns have filed an updated lawsuit in federal court, arguing that the Modell Law does not apply to their plans for a domed stadium in Brook Park. The law was designed to prevent cities from losing pro teams when owners attempt relocation.
However, the Haslam Sports Group claims that they are planning to invest $2 billion in the Brook Park facility and its surrounding development, just over a mile from the Cleveland city limits. This investment includes an adjoining downtown lakefront stadium project.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has called the Haslams’ lawsuit “misleading” and pointed out that the city has invested millions in a lakefront master plan with a downtown stadium as its centerpiece. The proposed lakefront stadium would cost taxpayers less than half of the Brook Park facility, according to Bibb.
Bibb expressed concerns about the financial burden on taxpayers, including high ticket prices, parking rates, and increased taxes for hotels, rental cars, and luxury apartments near the airport.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/cleveland/2025/03/20/bibb-haslam-lawsuit-browns-brook-park-stadium