Report: Ted Leonsis Met with Maryland Governor About Possible Wizards, Capitals Arena

After a deal for a new $2 billion arena in Virginia stalled, Washington Wizards and Capitals owner Ted Leonsis reportedly is eyeing another state as a potential home for the two franchises.

Per Andy Kostka and Pamela Wood of the Baltimore Banner, an anonymous source said that "Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Leonsis discussed the idea of bringing the NBA and NHL teams to Maryland after Virginia lawmakers left out plans for a new Wizards and Capitals arena from the state budget this month."

Kostka and Wood added that "it's not likely" that Maryland "could become an option for the sports and entertainment district [Leonsis] envisions." Representatives for Moore declined to comment, and the source "requested anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter."

Another option available to Leonsis would be to reopen negotiations with Washington, D.C., whose "offer of $500 million for renovations to an existing arena he already spurned." A source told Kostka and Wood that Leonsis "remains focused on working with Virginia to build at the Potomac Yard site in Alexandria for the time being," but the exploration of a site in Maryland could at least provide leverage in negotiations with D.C. and Virginia.

Leonsis and Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced plans in December for a 12-acre mixed-use complex that would be home to the Wizards and Capitals.

However, Virginia Sen. L. Louise Lucas said last month that proposed legislation for the $2 billion arena was "not ready for prime time" and would not receive a hearing in the Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee, of which she is the chair. That declaration effectively killed the legislation in the Senate.

The Wizards and Capitals currently play at Capital One Arena, which opened in 1997. While the arena could still undergo refurbishment under the $500 million proposal by D.C., it's clear that Leonsis' preference is to start anew.