Brook Park Negotiates Stadium Deal with Haslam Sports Group

City seeks sales tax break, waived permit fees in exchange for $24.8 million in upfront payments

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life featuring a polished, geometric model of a football stadium made from premium materials like brushed aluminum, glass, and carbon fiber, elegantly arranged on a clean, monochromatic background with dramatic studio lighting to represent the abstract corporate strategy and financial risks behind this major development project.A conceptual rendering of the premium materials and careful design that will go into financing and constructing a new NFL stadium, as Brook Park negotiates a complex public-private partnership with the Cleveland Browns' owner.Cleveland Today

The city of Brook Park, Ohio is in negotiations with Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Cleveland Browns, over a $2.6 billion stadium project. The early terms include Brook Park providing a sales tax break on construction materials and waiving permit fees, while Haslam Sports Group will provide $24.8 million in upfront payments to help the city prepare for the influx of visitors and fans. The stadium is expected to be owned by a new community authority, a public entity that has yet to be created.

Why it matters

This deal represents a major public-private partnership that could reshape the city of Brook Park and bring the Browns to a new home. The city is seeking to offset the significant costs of hosting an NFL team and stadium, while Haslam Sports Group needs local support and incentives to make the project financially viable.

The details

Under the pre-development agreement, Brook Park will provide a sales tax break on construction materials for the $2.6 billion stadium project, which could save Haslam Sports Group tens of millions of dollars. The city will also waive permitting fees, likely in the 'lower millions of dollars' range. In exchange, Haslam Sports Group will provide $24.8 million in upfront payments to Brook Park over the next four years to help the city prepare for the new stadium, including buying police cars, hiring staff, and upgrading infrastructure. However, the city will eventually have to pay that money back using future tax revenues generated by the stadium district.

  • Haslam Sports Group plans to break ground on the new stadium on April 30, 2026.
  • Brook Park City Council is expected to discuss the initial legislation and pre-development deal during a caucus meeting on April 11, 2026, but no immediate vote is expected.
  • Orcutt hopes the broader development agreement outlining the local financing plan will be presented to City Council by June 2026.

The players

Haslam Sports Group

The owner of the Cleveland Browns and Columbus Crew soccer team, leading the $2.6 billion stadium project in Brook Park.

Edward Orcutt

The mayor of Brook Park, who is negotiating the deal with Haslam Sports Group on behalf of the city.

Brook Park City Council

The local governing body that will review and vote on the stadium deal and related legislation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Every dollar matters on this project to make it a reality.”

— Edward Orcutt, Mayor of Brook Park

“At this time, we're not negotiating publicly. We are working with our partners, and ... trying to have this public-private agreement where we will have success leading up to kickoff in 2029 — and for the next 30, 40, 50 years.”

— Edward Orcutt, Mayor of Brook Park

What’s next

Brook Park City Council is expected to discuss the initial legislation and pre-development deal during a caucus meeting on April 11, 2026, but no immediate vote is expected. Orcutt hopes the broader development agreement outlining the local financing plan will be presented to City Council by June 2026.

The takeaway

This deal represents a high-stakes negotiation between Brook Park and Haslam Sports Group, as the city seeks to balance the significant costs and impacts of hosting an NFL stadium with the potential economic benefits. The outcome will shape the future of both the Browns and the city of Brook Park for decades to come.