The Cleveland Browns are pushing back against the city’s claims of holding them “hostage,” as the team and its owners, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, continue to dispute funding for a new stadium. The team filed an amended lawsuit in U.S. District Court on Tuesday, stating that there is no obligation to play at Huntington Bank Field beyond the lease’s expiration date.
The lawsuit claims that Cleveland is attempting to “hold the Browns hostage” by using the Modell Law, passed when Art Modell moved the franchise to Baltimore in 1995. The team wants to open its new stadium in 2029 and believes a fiscally sound solution would keep them in the area for at least 50 more years.
The Browns contend that Cleveland has made little effort to help realize development plans, including connecting the lakefront to downtown. Instead of recognizing the benefits of the Haslam proposal, which includes over $2 billion in private capital, the city is trying to block funding.
In a statement to fans, Dave Jenkins, chief operating officer of the Haslam Sports Group, reiterated the team’s commitment to the region. The Browns are seeking $600 million in local funding and $600 million in state-backed bonds to support the new stadium project.
Source: https://eu.beaconjournal.com/story/sports/pro/browns/2025/03/18/new-browns-stadium-lawsuit-hostage/82522219007