The Cleveland Browns haven't had much luck on the scoreboard in recent years, but they've just pulled off a major win in the political arena.
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A state-of-the-art experience fit for gameday and beyond pic.twitter.com/kwMEgbDhqb
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 1, 2025
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a sweeping state budget into law late Monday night that includes $600 million in public funding for a new Browns stadium — a move that not only fuels the team's long-term development plans, but also opens the door for a potential relocation just outside Cleveland proper.
The money will come from the state's unclaimed property fund, a decision that already faces legal pushback. A class-action lawsuit filed last week argues that the state can't legally allocate unclaimed funds for large-scale public projects like a football stadium. For now, though, the Browns have their cash and a clear runway.
The team, which last week purchased 176 acres in Brook Park for $76 million, appears poised to move forward with plans for a state-of-the-art facility west of downtown Cleveland. Such a move would've previously triggered the state's Art Modell Law, which was designed to prevent teams from relocating without public notice or opportunity for local governments to intervene. The law has now been amended, as it only applies to moves out of state.
In other words, the Browns are free to pack up and head to Brook Park — and still be in full compliance with the very rule that once aimed to prevent teams from doing exactly that.
In a statement released via Fox 8, team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam praised the support from lawmakers, calling the stadium plan a "transformative project" that will have "generational impact."
"We respect the firm commitment and leadership that Governor DeWine, and the Ohio Senate and House have shown in their collaborative work to find a responsible way to support such a transformative project, one that will create a generational impact for our region and the State," the Haslams said. "Our fans deserve a world-class facility, and we are committed to building a state-of-the-art enclosed stadium that resonates with Cleveland, highlighting our loyal and passionate fans and the Dawg Pound, while also incorporating innovation, bold design, and an immersive experience."
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam. (Getty)
The stadium is projected to cost $2.4 billion, meaning the team still has a steep hill to climb financially. Cuyahoga County has indicated it won't contribute additional funds, leaving the Browns to cover roughly 75 percent of the total bill. NFL trends often aim for a 50-50 public-private split, so the Browns' share is substantial.
Still, they now have $600 million in hand and a chunk of land secured. All that remains is everything else.
And yes, it hasn't gone unnoticed that this is the same franchise that handed $230 million in guaranteed money to Deshaun Watson — a figure that so far has yielded more headlines than highlight reels.
The relocation, if finalized, would mark a significant shift in the team's footprint while keeping them within Ohio's borders. It also sets a precedent that other franchises could one day explore.
So, full steam ahead. The Browns may still be figuring things out on Sundays, but when it comes to stadium deals and land grabs, they're suddenly playing like winners.
