If you grew up in D.C. during the golden years of Washington football, RFK Stadium wasn’t just a venue — it was a heartbeat. And if you happened to be there on game day between 1961 and 1996, there’s a chance you walked right past a teenage Josh Harris, soaking in the energy just like every other fan.
Fast forward to today, and Harris — now the managing partner of the Washington Commanders — is the one calling the shots. And with the new stadium deal struck in the heart of D.C., he’s doing more than just building — he’s bringing the franchise home.
What Makes This Move So Personal for Josh Harris?
For Harris, this isn’t just about real estate or NFL business strategy. This is deeply personal.
“I remember on Sundays, everything shutting down,” Harris told WUSA9’s Chick Hernandez. “Everyone’s in watching football… I remember walking down East Capitol Street. That was probably at age 17.”
This isn’t an owner with a passing interest. It’s a guy who, decades ago, parked far away because close-in parking was too expensive — and walked to the stadium with wide eyes and big dreams.
Now, he’s living one of those dreams: restoring the soul of the team by bringing it back to D.C.
Where Will the New Washington Commanders Stadium Be Built?
Right where it all began — on the site of the old RFK Stadium, Washington’s spiritual football home.
Although it would have been logistically simpler to stay at the Commanders’ current site (which the team owns), Harris knew the right move was a return to the city.
“Being in D.C., being in the spiritual home where the team had won so many Super Bowls… we always thought that was the right answer,” he explained.
The decision wasn’t about nostalgia alone — it was about connecting generations of fans and making the team accessible to the entire DMV region.
What Does the NFL Think About the Move?
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is fully supportive. He believes a D.C. stadium would drastically increase the city’s chances of hosting a Super Bowl — a major win not just for football fans, but for the city’s economy and cultural relevance.
Harris agrees. But he sees an even bigger picture.
“Making D.C. the mecca for all great entertainment events is on our mind. The Super Bowl is the biggest event out there… that would be amazing.”
So, yes — this stadium is for football. But it’s also a launchpad for D.C.’s cultural and entertainment revival.
What Is Josh Harris’ Net Worth in 2025?
💰 As of 2025, Josh Harris has an estimated net worth of $10 billion.
This wealth stems from:
- Co-founding Apollo Global Management, a major private equity firm
- Owning stakes in multiple sports franchises: the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, Crystal Palace FC, and now the Washington Commanders
But unlike other billionaire owners, Harris approaches the role with a fan-first mindset — one shaped by personal memories and a true connection to the team.
Why Does This Matter So Much to Commanders Fans?
Because for decades, fans have longed for this moment — a moment that says, we matter. A moment that says, the city matters. And now, Josh Harris is delivering.
For fans who watched Sonny Jurgensen, Billy Kilmer, Joe Theismann, and Doug Williams at RFK…
For fans who rode the Metro in jerseys, painted their faces, and roared until their voices cracked…
For fans who’ve waited through years of relocations, name changes, and franchise turmoil…
This isn’t just about football. This is about coming home.
“Welcome home,” Harris said.
And with those two words, decades of longing turned into hope.
What Comes Next for the Team and the City?
Now that the deal is official, attention turns to design, timelines, and construction. But more than anything, the energy has shifted.
The Washington Commanders are re-rooting themselves not just in D.C., but in legacy, identity, and pride.
The RFK site will soon rise again — not just as a stadium, but as a symbol of rebirth. And leading the charge? A fan-turned-owner with a billion-dollar vision and a 9-year-old’s memory of walking into a stadium that changed his life.
