Maybe. This kind of negotiation doesn't really start until at least one of the parties threatens to walk. Sharon Pratt Kelly managed to fumble (sorry) the football team away, but Fenty seems to be a smoother operator than that.

Development of Ward 8 isn't happening on it's own, so maybe after a quick look at alternatives it will turn out the DCU offer is the best to be had. On the other hand, if the team moves to Loudoun rather than Baltimore, my trip to the games will be about 80% shorter.
son of liberty | 07.22.07 - 8:18 pm | #

The team can't move to Balto. There is not a media market there to support it.

I have no idea why no one wants to redevelop RFK. That place rocks and is convenient via Metro and car.

No one really likes soccer so there is no way that the city should in any way subsidize it. BTW I didn't think the DC gov't should have subsidized the baseball stadium either, as it was DC or Portland, and I think we had some negotiating strength there.
Leonardo | 07.22.07 - 9:33 pm | #

Leo,

Media market? We are the media market. They call it the Washington-Baltimore media market for a reason.

If you are thinking more local fan base, rather than an actual media market, it becomes more of a fan-style-no-end-to-the-argument type thing than an actual "can the area support the team" argument. Baltimore and DC are the region together, so if a team can be supported in DC it can in Baltimore as well.

For the record I could care less where they move, as long as it is in the area. I grew up as a Redskins fan, didn't become a Ravens fan. Grew up an Orioles fan, didn't become a Nationals fan. I could give a fuck. I just could see them moving out of the city. I think that would be a shame. It's a DC team.
Rob | Homepage | 07.23.07 - 12:31 am | #