The future for the Cleveland Browns has suddenly become one of the city’s most heated debates. But for Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, it’s no longer top of mind.
As the team pushes for a $3.4 billion domed stadium in Brook Park, Bibb is making it clear that there are bigger priorities in Cleveland than football.
That stance could shake up one of the most ambitious sports projects in Ohio’s history.
Cleveland Mayor Not Backing Down From Lakefront Vision
Speaking with FOX 8’s I-Team, Bibb didn’t sugarcoat it.
“There are more important priorities than the Cleveland Browns,” he said, pointing instead to long-term plans like revamping Hopkins International Airport and expanding development downtown.
That doesn’t mean he’s giving the team a free pass out of town. Bibb confirmed the city won’t just stand by if the Browns pack up and head for the suburbs.
I run a major city—my focus is on safety, housing, and jobs. But don’t get it twisted: I’m still in the fight to keep the Browns downtown. It’s about protecting our economy, respecting taxpayers, and making sure Cleveland’s future stays strong. https://t.co/guXHShX4eQ
— Justin M. Bibb (@JustinMBibb)
“If they go to Brook Park, God bless them, good luck. But, by hell or high water, we are going to develop a lakefront our residents can be proud of.”
It’s a message that lands hard in a city that’s already sunk hundreds of millions into maintaining the Browns’ downtown stadium. That’s money that would be effectively wasted if the team leaves. The city is still in a legal fight to prevent that from happening, with a hearing on the matter scheduled for next month.
The Browns Want Out, and They’ve Got Backing
Despite the pushback from City Hall, the Browns aren’t backing off their Brook Park vision. The proposed enclosed stadium would be part of a sprawling $3.4 billion development, with owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam already promising to foot half the bill.
While the Haslams face opposition from local government, they’re gaining ground elsewhere. Gov. Mike DeWine has voiced support for the project, and the Greater Cleveland Partnership — the region’s most powerful business coalition — has officially endorsed the move.
“While a downtown dome is ideal, financial and development constraints have been challenging; the Brook Park option is more practical to move forward,” the group said in a statement, calling the dome “a transformative $3.4 billion investment in our region.”
The GCP also believes the Browns possibly leaving could help downtown development, not hurt it. Without a stadium occupying prime lakefront real estate, the city could pursue a more dynamic mixed-use buildout, one not reliant on football.
What Happens if the Browns Leave?
Mayor Bibb made it clear that Cleveland isn’t about to be left empty-handed. He confirmed that a request for proposals will go out this summer, with multiple ideas already on the table to repurpose the lakefront space.
“The state and the Browns have to make sure that the city of Cleveland is not left empty-handed,” Bibb said, reiterating that any transition must be handled responsibly — and with long-term vision.
The GCP seems to agree. The group estimated that more than $150 million in funding could be unlocked through revenue-sharing deals from the new stadium, plus direct contributions from the team. That money could then support an entirely new billion-dollar lakefront project that is independent of the Browns.
The Brook Park stadium alone is expected to cost $2.4 billion, with the Haslams contributing $1.2 billion. The rest would come from public sources, including the state, Cuyahoga County, and Brook Park — though County Executive Chris Ronayne has long resisted that idea.
So, What’s Next?
In the coming weeks, state lawmakers will review a $600 million funding request to help bring the dome to life. Alternative bond structures are also in play, with signs pointing toward growing legislative momentum.
Still, Bibb isn’t letting go of the city’s legal battle—or his vision. “We gotta move on,” he said. “A whole lot of plans, a lot of good ideas, more to come.”