WASHINGTON — After Monumental Sports took a hit in Virginia Thursday, D.C.'s mayor had a clear message for the company's leaders: our offer is still on the table.
The Virginia legislature agreed on a budget Thursday that did not include funding for Gov. Glenn Youngin's porposed $2 billion entertainment complex to house the Washington Wizards and Capitals in Alexandria. On Friday, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser shared her reaction.
“I think that we want our teams to stay,” DC Mayor Muriel Bowser. “I have believed as I have written the district has the best deal for fans, for monumental and for the region and that continues to be the case."
Back in December, the mayor had promised to fast-track a $500 million deal and get Monumental their money by spring, aptly pointing out at the time that the Virginia deal was not done.
Youngkin called Virginia's decision a "collosal mistake" as he believed the project would be an economic win for the commonwealth.
“The Senate refused to give the single largest development deal any serious or meaningful consideration,” the governor said.
Del. Luke Torian who introduced a house version of the arena bill hasn’t answered WUSA 9’s questions about why it’s no longer in the budget.
“Everyone wants to make the arena the story, that is not the story for this budget, the story for the budget is we're getting it out on time to address the critical needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia,” Prince William County Delegate Luke Torian said.
Meanwhile, Mayor Bowser is standing strong on her opinion that D.C. has and always will be the best option for D.C.'s sports teams.
“It is the best not only financial deal, but it’s the best use of resources -- transportation resources, public safety resources, public works resources -- so we think it’s the best deal,” she said.
WUSA9 asked Bowser if she has heard from Monumental CEO Ted Leonsis, but she declined to answer. WUSA9 also reached out to Monumental for comment, and a spokesperson said they have a strong ongoing relationship with the mayor and city council, and they appreciate their offer.