COLUMBUS, Ohio (WOIO) - Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine officially signed the 2026/2027 biennial budget into law late Monday, clearing the final hurdle for the Cleveland Browns to fund their planned dome in Brook Park.
The budget, which passed the Ohio House and Senate last week, included language for $600M to go from the Department of Unclaimed Funds to the Cleveland Browns for the dome stadium.
> I signed House Bill 96, the fiscal years 2026-2027 biennial operating budget, into law this evening at 11:15 p.m. [pic.twitter.com/UX81ojALd0](https://t.co/UX81ojALd0)
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> — Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) [July 1, 2025](https://twitter.com/GovMikeDeWine/status/1939890538938769659?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The Browns would fund the remaining $1.8B to complete the project, also covering overruns.
The new budget also changed the language surrounding the controversial Modell Law.
The word “elsewhere” was changed to “outside the State”, meaning the Browns’ move wouldn’t be in violation.
The Browns and Brook Park plan to break ground by Q1 of 2026, with an opening by the 2029 season.
> “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. 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. The new enclosed Huntington Bank Field will be completely fan-centric, a first-of-its-kind design in the NFL, and a dynamic venue that draws visitors from across Ohio and beyond, for concerts and significant sporting events throughout the year. This premiere facility will anchor a major lifestyle and entertainment development and be a catalyst for one of Northeast Ohio’s largest economic development projects ever and something our community will be proud of and can enjoy for years to come. We appreciate the support of State leaders and their belief in this transformative project.”
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