D.C. Councilmember Evans hopes to have framework for D.C. United stadium by year's end

The Washington D.C. Council and D.C. United are reportedly very close to an agreement for a new soccer-specific stadium. D.C. Ward 2 Councilman Jack Evans told the Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU-FM Friday afternoon that the two sides are in "final negotiations." Evans later told the Washington Post that he hoped for the framework of a stadium deal to be in place by the end of the year, backtracking from his earlier comments.

Terms of the deal reportedly state that United will pay for construction and land acquisition. Stadium costs have been estimated to be between $150 and $200 million, though details of the plan are unknown. The city will help with infrastructure, and United also hopes to receive some tax breaks.

The two sides reached an informal agreement some time ago, according to Craig Stouffer. But recent news could be an indication that they are approaching something more formal.

Interest in a new stadium has waxed and waned over the past decade, and the team has considered various locations and designs. But what seems to have made this time different was a financial commitment from the club's new owners and a proper site. If all goes according to plan, the stadium will be built over a parking lot in Buzzard Point. It will be partially funded by new investors Erick Thohir and Jason Levien.