DC United Close To Agreeing To Two-Year Lease Renewal At RFK Stadium

Officials from MLS DC United and Events DC "are close to agreeing to a two-year lease extension at RFK Stadium," which would create a "window in which the team and some officials likely will attempt a last-ditch effort to build a stadium for the team in the District," according to Jonathan O'Connell of the WASHINGTON POST. The lease is "expected to provide more favorable conditions for the team -- as well as possible incentives for the team to remain in the District long-term." The combination of the lease and an "improved budget situation for the city has created optimism." Team officials have been "pursuing a more favorable lease to stave off financial losses." Events DC President & CEO Gregory O'Dell did not disclose terms of the lease but said that it could "include contingencies to give the team incentives to commit to the District long-term." He added that he "hopes it will be complete" by the team's home opener on March 10 (WASHINGTON POST, 2/20).