‘I do not consider I am abandoning DC’: Caps, Wizards proprietor Ted Leonsis talks about Monumental Transfer

For the primary time since asserting his intentions to maneuver the Washington Wizards and Capitals out of D.C. throughout the river to Virginia, proprietor Ted Leonsis is answering questions from reporters.

The proposal to construct a “world-class” leisure district in Alexandria as a substitute of D.C. was introduced in December by Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Leonsis, proprietor of Monumental Sports activities and Leisure, the corporate that owns the groups.

Leonsis mentioned the deal that might remodel a rising Northern Virginia neighborhood and ship shockwaves by means of downtown D.C., which is accustomed to internet hosting tens of 1000’s of followers however has struggled with crime.

Folks from “Cease the Enviornment” will foyer Thursday in opposition to the Capitals and Wizards enviornment transferring from D.C. to Virginia. News4’s Juliana Valencia experiences.

Q&A with Ted Leonsis

Editor’s Notice: That is an abbreviated model of the Q&A. Tune in to News4 As we speak on Thurs. Feb. 8 at 4 p.m. for the total interview.

News4: What do you say to D.C. residents who really feel such as you’re abandoning the groups which have been right here for thus lengthy?

Leonsis: I perceive, and we will be right here for 4 or 5 extra years, and the longer term goes to be improbable. And we’re three and a half miles away. I do not consider I am abandoning D.C. That is in all probability one thing that possibly I misunderstood. And I have been requested, effectively, what in regards to the small enterprise homeowners right here? They don’t seem to be my constituency. My constituency are our followers, the gamers, the staff, the union employees–they usually’re all going to profit dramatically.

News4: You discuss that call that Mr. Pollin made to maneuver into D.C. He is remembered as an amazing philanthropist, anyone who took an enormous danger on downtown, on this space, and actually is the catalyst along with his personal cash for what we get pleasure from now downtown. Are you involved about your D.C. legacy?

Leonsis: Mr. Pollin was an amazing man, and no matter his legacy is, he earned it. He deserved it. I like the person. I’ll construct, although, the best constructing, the best sports activities group, as a result of I’ve acquired the land and the room to do it. After which we will win extra Stanley Cups and we will win an NBA championship. That is how my legacy can be made. However you’ll be able to’t outline what my legacy is on NBC. That is not so that you can do. My legacy can be earned over a physique of labor, and I’ve zero considerations about what folks suppose my legacy is true now for doing the precise factor for my followers, for my gamers, for my staff.