The Washington Wizards basketball team relocated to Maryland in 1963 and changed their name to the Baltimore Bullets. In the 1970s, the team relocated to Washington, D.C., and in 1997, changing their name to the Washington Wizards.
Originally established as an expansion franchise in 1974, the Washington Capitals hockey team has never relocated. The Washington Mystics team played its first season in 1998 and has qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 13 of its 23 seasons. Despite all the other Washington-based franchises faring well, the Washington Wizards will now be moving away from the capital city.
Why are Wizards moving away from Washington?
Officially, the Washington Wizards are headed to northern Virginia. The Wizards and their NHL rivals, the Washington Capitals, are set to relocate to Alexandria, Virginia’s Potomac Yards neighborhood, according to plans disclosed by Monumental Sports. Alexandria is situated approximately thirty minutes south of Washington, D.C.’s downtown.
Losing the Caps and Wizards to Virginia could cost D.C. $25 million a year in tax revenue, Mayor Muriel Bowser says. https://t.co/btE2zcn4KA
— NBC4 Washington (@nbcwashington) December 13, 2023
There will be restaurants, retail stores, a practice facility, an arena, and additional fan entertainment within the planned 70-acre area. The plans were announced at a press conference this morning beginning at 9 a.m. EST, hosted by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, CEO of Monumental Sports and Wizards owner Ted Leonis. DC officials and Mayor Muriel Bowser made a desperate attempt to stop the move, but it was unsuccessful.
There is some time before the move is finished because the project won’t be completed until 2028 and the Capital One Arena lease expires in 2027. The WNBA team Washington Mystics will continue to play at an upgraded Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, which was also announced.
What impact will Wizards’ move have on Virginia?
The Athletic reported that the relocation to Virginia might deal a “devastating economic blow to D.C.” and the Penn Quarter district, home of Capital One Arena, whose economy primarily depends on the game-night rush of fans to sustain restaurants, lodging facilities, and retail establishments.
WATCH: Governor @GlennYoungkin on bringing the NHL’s Capitals and the NBA’s Wizards to Alexandria, Virginia:
— Team Youngkin – Spirit of Virginia (@TeamYoungkin) December 13, 2023
“This is a big day for the Commonwealth of Virginia — I might say it’s even monumental.” pic.twitter.com/sxBgWPoQ7Y
The $500 million last-minute plan to renovate Capital One Arena to “keep the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals where they belong” was revealed by D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser late on Tuesday night.
Prior to this on Wednesday, Leonsis had stated he would keep the teams in D.C. if the city gave him $600 million for the projected $800 million renovation project. However, on Wednesday, he made it clear he was proceeding with the Virginia relocation.
What are your thoughts about the Wizards relocating? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
