Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam have announced plans to relocate the franchise to Brook Park, a suburb about 12 miles south of Cleveland.
Although the team considered a $1.1 billion proposal from the city to renovate their 25-year-old downtown stadium, they opted instead to pursue a $2.4 billion domed facility in Brook Park. The new stadium is envisioned as a state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting major events like the Super Bowl and NCAA Final Four.
However, the City of Cleveland is determined to keep the team in its current location. Talks of legal action have emerged, and the city has officially invoked the rarely used “Modell Law” to challenge the move. This legislation, enacted in 1996 after former owner Art Modell’s controversial decision to relocate the team to Baltimore in 1995, aims to prevent similar departures.
The Modell Law requires Ohio sports team owners using tax-supported facilities for most home games to seek permission before relocating. Without it, they must provide six months’ notice and allow local governments or investors the opportunity to purchase the team.
On December 30, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb invoked the law, citing the over $350 million the city has invested in constructing, repairing, and maintaining the Browns’ current home, Huntington Bank Field. In a formal letter, Bibb demanded the owners comply with the law and provide a date for the six-month purchase period to begin. He requested a response by January 9 regarding the team’s intent to adhere to the legislation.
Meanwhile, the Browns have filed a federal lawsuit seeking clarification on the law’s application, with the case still unresolved.
