D.C. United's Baltimore Stadium Project Stalls Without State Funding

Proposed multi-use facility fails to secure $216 million in state support during legislative session.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:27pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented soccer stadium construction scene, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the 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 plan to build a new stadium and youth academy complex in Baltimore, Maryland has hit a roadblock after the project did not receive any state funding during the recent legislative session. Two bills that would have provided $216 million in state support for the proposed multi-use facility were introduced but did not pass.

Why it matters

The failure to secure state funding is a significant setback for D.C. United's ambitions to expand its footprint in the Baltimore market and develop a state-of-the-art soccer complex. Without this public investment, the project's viability and timeline are now uncertain, impacting the team's growth plans and the potential economic benefits for the city of Baltimore.

The details

The two bills, introduced by Sen. Antonio Hayes and Del. Mark Edelson, would have provided $216 million in state funding for the proposed D.C. United stadium and youth academy project in Baltimore. However, the legislation did not gain enough support to pass during the recent legislative session, effectively stalling the team's plans for the multi-use facility.

  • The legislative session in Maryland concluded in April 2026 without the bills receiving approval.
  • D.C. United first announced plans for the Baltimore stadium project in late 2025.

The players

D.C. United

A professional soccer team that plays in Major League Soccer and is based in Washington, D.C. The team has been exploring expansion opportunities in the Baltimore market.

Sen. Antonio Hayes

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

Del. Mark Edelson

A Maryland state delegate who introduced a companion bill to provide $216 million in state funding for the D.C. United stadium project in Baltimore.

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What they’re saying

“We're disappointed that the state funding did not materialize this session, but we remain committed to bringing a world-class soccer facility to Baltimore.”

— Jason Levien, Co-CEO, D.C. United

What’s next

D.C. United will need to reevaluate its options and explore alternative funding sources or strategies to move the Baltimore stadium project forward. The team may seek to reintroduce the legislation in a future legislative session.

The takeaway

The failure to secure state funding for the D.C. United stadium project in Baltimore is a setback for the team's expansion plans and the city's hopes of attracting a major sports facility. The team will need to find creative solutions to finance the project if it hopes to bring professional soccer and a youth academy to the Baltimore market.