Star player expresses commitment to keeping team in D.C.
Washington Wizards’ shooting guard Bradley Beal has voiced his opposition to the team’s rumored relocation to Virginia. In an interview with ESPN’s Andscape, Beal declared his support for the team’s current home in downtown Washington, D.C., stating, “There is no moving to Virginia.”
Beal calls for the team to stay in D.C.
Beal emphasized the significance of the Wizards remaining in Washington, describing it as “Chocolate City” and stressing the importance of the team’s presence for the city and the league. He urged Wizards owner Ted Leonsis to work out a solution with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser to ensure the team’s continued presence in the nation’s capital.
Beal highlights potential drawbacks of relocation
Drawing a parallel to the relocation of the NFL team, the Commanders, to Maryland, Beal acknowledged the potential challenges associated with the Wizards moving beyond the city limits. He expressed his personal opinion that the team’s move to Virginia could create problems and called for the rebuilding of local stadiums to keep the team in D.C.
Proposed district includes more than just an arena
The envisioned relocation would not only involve a new arena but also encompass a music venue, hotels, and a global corporate headquarters for Monumental Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of the Wizards, Capitals, and the WNBA’s Mystics. This comprehensive plan aims to create a vibrant district for sports and entertainment.
Legislative challenges ahead
Despite the ambitious proposal, there may be hurdles at the legislative level. Virginia state senator Louise Lucas has already announced her intention to vote against the deal, signaling potential opposition that the relocation may face.
Leonsis emphasizes the importance of community
Ted Leonsis, the owner of the Wizards, emphasized the notion of community and the team’s role in fostering a sense of belonging. He pointed out that despite being called Washington National Airport, it is located in Arlington, Virginia, underscoring the interconnected nature of the entire DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) area.
Beal’s career with the Wizards
Bradley Beal, a three-time NBA All-Star, was the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and spent 11 seasons with the Washington Wizards. In June, he was traded to the to join the Phoenix Suns in a high-profile deal for Chris Paul.
Follow Fox News Digital’s coverage and subscribe to their channel for the latest updates on this story.