Sphere at National Harbor Wins Final $215M Bond Approval

Prince George's County Council members voted 8-0 today to approve financing for Sphere at National Harbor. Known as CB-111-2026, the legislation would authorize up to $215 million in special obligation bonds.

The 6,000-seat venue would sit next to MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. Developers are targeting a 2030 opening, and construction could begin in the coming months. It would be the first smaller-scale Sphere and the second in the U.S., after the original in Las Vegas. Today's vote caps months of hearings, amendments, and pressure from organized labor. Approval clears a major hurdle for the estimated $1.4 billion project near Washington, D.C.

How the Sphere Bond Deal Works and Why the County Backed It

Designated National Harbor tax revenue, including certain property and hotel taxes, will repay the bonds.

About $130 million of the borrowing will go toward building the Sphere itself. Beyond the Sphere, the authorization also covers refinancing existing National Harbor debt.

The council laid the groundwork on July 27, when members voted 8-0 to create the National Harbor Extraordinary Development District. On Oct. 5, members unanimously advanced CB-111-2026 to today's final vote. Three council members were absent for the vote.

County Executive Aisha Braveboy has championed the venue as a way to replace lost revenue. The county is losing tax income from the closure of Six Flags America and the Washington Commanders' planned departure. "Today marks a turning point for the economic future of our county," Braveboy said at a news conference after the vote. She has said Sphere will have a $1.3 billion overall impact in Prince George's County. Other reviews remain. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is likely to examine the project because the site sits near Reagan National Airport.

Council Added Community and Labor Terms Amid Resident Concerns

Council members added two amendments to the bill during the Oct. 5 session. The first requires the developer to sign a Community Benefits Agreement with the county. That agreement will cover local hiring, minority business participation, and workforce training. The second requires a labor peace agreement to protect workers' ability to organize once the venue opens. This requirement extends to developers, tenants, contractors, and subcontractors.

"A project of this magnitude could shape Prince George's County for decades," said Council Chair Krystal Oriadha. Earlier, the council heard from residents at a Sept. 22 listening session. Some speakers raised concerns about traffic congestion and the use of public financing for a private venue.

Approved Deal Leaves Out the Project Labor Agreement Unions Wanted

Construction unions have argued the amendments do not go far enough. They pushed for a project labor agreement, a pre-hire contract that sets employment terms for the construction phase. On Oct. 5, the council rejected two proposals that sought union participation in construction. Some members feared Sphere could abandon the project over such a requirement. "We cannot afford to have Sphere walk away in such an important project," said Council Member Wala Blegay.

Labor organizing has also reached Sphere in Las Vegas. Warehouse workers there voted earlier this year to join Teamsters Local 986.