Mar 8, 2024 - News

How Virginia's Capitals and Wizards arena deal blew up

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Glenn Youngkin speaks before a microphone, with Sen. Louise Lucas seen in the background — Glenn Youngkin speaks as his arch-rival Democrat Sen. L. Louise Lucas in the background (left), watches on. Photo courtesy of Drew Wilder, NBC4 Washington

With the Alexandria arena deal crumbling, Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Thursday bemoaned the "colossal mistake" the legislature was making by not advancing his agreement with the Wizards and Capitals.

Why it matters: Democrats removed the $2 billion financial package for the arena from the state's budget on the last day of the legislative session, a move that could blow up the handshake agreement Youngkin made with the teams' owner, Ted Leonsis, for good.

"It was truly ... a monumental opportunity," Youngkin said outside of the statehouse in Richmond.

Democratic firebrand Sen. L. Louise Lucas, who now may go down as singlehandedly shattering the project, looked on from the Capitol steps (above picture) as Youngkin sounded like a defeated man.

Between the lines: Had Lucas stood down, other Democrats looked ready to compromise with Youngkin. But Lucas did not budge on her opposition to the project, which would be funded with taxpayer revenue generated by the new entertainment district.

"I am a roadblock, yes," Lucas said, per the Washington Post.

Zoom out: D.C. says they still have $500 million in public money to offer Monumental Sports, the team owners, to upgrade Capital One Arena in downtown Washington.

"As a deal in Virginia remains uncertain, the Council continues to be ready to welcome Monumental Sports' change of mind," D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson said in a statement.

What's next: The budget was Youngkin's best chance to get the deal through.

He can bring lawmakers back to Richmond for a special session later this year. But without a compromise, there's no point.

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How Virginia's Capitals and Wizards arena deal blew up

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