"Monumental Deal Secures Capitals and Wizards in D.C., Sparks Entertainment District Growth"
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser played the long game to keep the Washington Wizards and Capitals in the city, despite initial plans to move to Virginia. After a chance encounter with team owner Ted Leonsis, Bowser worked to sweeten D.C.'s offer and bring Leonsis back to the negotiating table. The $515 million deal signed is more comprehensive and favorable to Leonsis, allowing for expansion of Monumental Sports & Entertainment's footprint at neighboring Gallery Place and beefing up security around the arena. The rekindled negotiations and a real estate proposal for Gallery Place ultimately helped seal the deal, keeping the teams in D.C. until at least 2050.