D.C. United's Baltimore stadium project stalls without state funding

The MLS club's plan for a 12,000-seat stadium and youth academy in Baltimore did not receive legislative approval during the recent Maryland session.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 8:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fragmented elements of a soccer stadium construction site, with sharp, overlapping planes in muted tones conveying the complex challenges facing the project.The proposed D.C. United stadium project in Baltimore faces an uncertain future after failing to secure state funding.Baltimore Today

D.C. United's proposal to build a new 12,000-seat stadium, youth academy, and women's soccer team venue in Baltimore has hit a setback after failing to secure $216 million in state funding during the recent Maryland legislative session. Two bills introduced to provide the necessary bonds did not advance out of committee, though the team remains optimistic about finding an alternative funding approach to move the ambitious project forward.

Why it matters

The proposed stadium and youth development complex represented a significant investment and opportunity for Baltimore, potentially bringing new professional sports teams and economic activity to the city. The lack of state support is a blow, but the team says it remains committed to finding a way to make the project a reality through continued discussions with local and state leaders.

The details

D.C. United first announced its plans for the 80-acre Carroll Park Golf Course site in Baltimore in February, outlining a proposal for a stadium that would house a new MLS Next Pro affiliate team, the club's youth academy, and a new women's soccer team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony. The $216 million in state bonds were intended to help fund the overall $300 million project, which was envisioned as a public-private partnership.

  • The legislative session in Maryland recently concluded without the necessary funding being approved.
  • In February 2026, D.C. United first announced its plans for the Baltimore stadium project.

The players

D.C. United

The Major League Soccer club that is proposing to build the new stadium and youth development complex in Baltimore.

Sen. Antonio Hayes

A Maryland state senator who introduced a bill to provide $216 million in state bonds for the D.C. United stadium project.

Del. Mark Edelson

A Maryland state delegate who introduced a companion bill to provide state funding for the D.C. United stadium project.

Brandon Scott

The mayor of Baltimore, who participated in the announcement of the D.C. United stadium project.

Carmelo Anthony

An NBA Hall of Famer who is set to co-own the new women's soccer team that would be the primary tenant of the proposed D.C. United stadium.

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What they’re saying

“This is a very big and ambitious project that is going to require significant community input to make sure we get it just right, so as to maximize the significant investment and potential the project represents.”

— Del. Mark Edelson, Maryland state delegate

“We have a clear strategy in motion and remain closely aligned with state and local leaders as we advance a sustainable funding approach. The depth of support behind this effort gives us confidence in our ability to achieve this goal and move the project forward.”

— Samantha Ward, Head of communications, D.C. United

What’s next

D.C. United says it will continue 'highly positive and confidential funding discussions' with state and local leaders in an effort to find an alternative path to secure the necessary financing and move the Baltimore stadium project forward.

The takeaway

The failure to secure state funding for D.C. United's ambitious Baltimore stadium plan is a setback, but the team remains committed to finding a way to make the project a reality through continued negotiations. The proposed complex represented a significant investment and opportunity for the city, and its future remains uncertain as the team explores alternative funding approaches.