The Cleveland Browns’ ambitious plan to relocate to a $2.4 billion domed stadium in the suburb of Brook Park has ignited a heated legal battle with the City of Cleveland. At the heart of the dispute lies the city’s intent to invoke a little-known statute known as the “Modell Law,” a move aimed at keeping the team within city limits.
The Browns’ Relocation Plans
Earlier this year, the Browns announced their proposal for a state-of-the-art stadium in Brook Park, complete with a mixed-use development designed to drive economic growth. The project, touted as a solution to the team’s long-term stadium needs, would mark a significant departure from the team’s current home, Huntington Bank Field, where they’ve played since 1999.
However, the City of Cleveland is pushing back, citing the Modell Law, which was enacted after the Browns’ infamous 1995 move to Baltimore under former owner Art Modell. The statute mandates that professional sports teams in Ohio playing in publicly funded stadiums cannot relocate without providing six months’ notice and offering the city the opportunity to purchase the franchise.
Legal Tensions Escalate
In October, the Browns preemptively filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Modell Law, arguing that it creates undue restrictions and hinders their ability to move forward with development plans. Despite this, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb sent a formal notice to Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, stating the city’s intent to enforce the law.
“The Browns have not provided the city or others with the opportunity to purchase the team, as required by law,” Bibb wrote. “If that opportunity were provided, the city intends to take a leadership role in assembling an ‘individual or group of individuals who reside in the area’ to purchase the team.”
Bibb’s letter demands a response by January 9 and warns that failure to comply will result in legal action to block the stadium move.
The Haslam Sports Group’s Response
The Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Browns, criticized the city’s stance, arguing that it undermines progress for the Cleveland region.
“The statute and the city’s action create uncertainty and do not serve the interest of greater Cleveland,” the group said in a statement. “As the city knows, after the 2028 season, we will have fulfilled our lease obligations at the current stadium. We are determined to create a project to solve our long-term stadium planning by building a new enclosed stadium and adjacent mixed-use development, resulting in a substantial increase in premier, large-scale events and economic activity for our region.”
While the Haslams have yet to finalize a funding plan, they anticipate covering half of the project’s cost through public funding—a point of contention for many local leaders, including Bibb and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, who have voiced opposition to the move.
A Legacy of Stadium Drama
The Browns’ current home, Huntington Bank Field, was constructed as part of the franchise’s 1999 return to Cleveland after the team’s controversial move to Baltimore in 1995. That relocation left a lasting scar on the city, prompting the creation of the Modell Law to prevent future team departures.
The Browns’ potential move to Brook Park has reignited fears of history repeating itself, particularly as the team’s current season struggles have done little to bolster fan confidence. The Browns are 3-13 heading into their final game against the Baltimore Ravens, a team that serves as a painful reminder of Cleveland’s past loss.
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What’s Next?
The legal and political showdown surrounding the Browns’ future is far from over. The January 9 deadline set by Mayor Bibb will be a pivotal moment, as the city could escalate its efforts to enforce the Modell Law if the Browns fail to comply.
For Cleveland residents, the dispute underscores the complex dynamics of professional sports, where civic pride and economic interests collide. Whether the Browns stay in Cleveland or move to Brook Park, the outcome will have lasting implications for the team’s relationship with its city and fans.
