Lawmakers will not include funds for a sports and entertainment district in Alexandria in Virginia’s budget, The Washington Post and Richmond Times-Dispatch reported, likely ending Monumental Sports & Entertainment owner Ted Leonis’ and Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s plan to bring the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Northern Virginia.
Senate Finance and Appropriations Chairwoman L. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, told The Post sports arena language will not be in the House of Delegates and Senate budget compromise coming out Thursday.
Lucas, a staunch opponent of the arena plan, posted a meme of herself flashing a peace out sign over a grave with the caption “Youngkin and Leonsis’ $5 billion arena” on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The House voted 81-18 in favor of a budget that included the arena deal, though delegates said they voted for it in order to continue negotiations.
