The Cleveland Browns are entering a promising new chapter. Following a transformative offseason, the team secured another major victory with approved funding for a new stadium. The move adds to the growing optimism surrounding the future of the franchise.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a new state budget into law on Monday night, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. The legislation allocates $600 million in public funds to support the Browns’ plans for a new stadium. Notably, the bill also makes it possible for the team to relocate from Cleveland to the nearby suburb of Brook Park without breaching the Art Modell Law.
Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns fans cheer for the team before the game between the Browns and the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns fans cheer for the team before the game between the Browns and the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
The Modell Law was established after the Browns relocated to Baltimore in 1996. Initially, it prevented the team from moving “elsewhere,” but it was later amended to restrict only out-of-state relocations. This revision now allows the Browns to consider a move to Brook Park, provided they can secure the remaining necessary funding.
The Browns’ new stadium
Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of the Cleveland Browns helmet before the game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of the Cleveland Browns helmet before the game against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
The Browns’ proposed new stadium carries a projected cost of $2.4 billion, and it remains unclear how they plan to secure the remaining funding. It’s doubtful the team will cover as much as 75 percent of the total cost on their own. Still, their commitment to the project appears strong — they bought a 176-acre plot of land in Brook Park earlier this year, signaling that the plan is moving forward.
Cleveland Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam shared an official statement on the team’s social media accounts, emphasizing their dedication to constructing a new stadium. They also thanked the public and lawmakers for backing the project and helping push it closer to reality.
Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) gestures to pump up the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) gestures to pump up the crowd against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
“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 Haslam’s said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Thrilled to move forward on a transformative project with generational impact pic.twitter.com/gym7FVv2o2
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) July 1, 2025
“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 Browns hope to turn their ambitious stadium plans into reality soon. The team plans to break ground by the end of March next year and aims to have construction finished in time for the 2029 NFL season.