MGM National Harbor Sphere Would Offset Tax Losses From NFL Commanders Exit

Posted on: February 19, 2026, 12:43h.

Last updated on: February 19, 2026, 12:43h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More

Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

A Sphere in Maryland would generate a $1.3 billion annual economic impact in Prince George’s County
EY projects that the MGM National Harbor Sphere would create 7,100 jobs, including 1,250 at the entertainment venue

If a Las Vegas-like Sphere comes to MGM National Harbor, state and local officials in Maryland say the entertainment venue would more than make up for the lost tax revenue that will come when the NFL Washington Commanders relocate from Landover to the District of Columbia in the coming years.

MGM National Harbor Sphere Maryland — A rendering of a proposed Sphere at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, a 6,000-seat immersive building covered with LED panels. Construction of the entertainment venue is to be assisted with $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. (Image: Sphere Entertainment)

In January, Sphere Entertainment, owned by billionaire James Dolan’s Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., announced a deal with Maryland and Prince George’s County to bring a scaled-down version of the Las Vegas Sphere to the MGM resort casino in Oxon Hill. An economic impact study from Ernst & Young projects that the benefits to the region located just outside the nation’s capital across the Potomac River would be significant.

EY estimates that the county would see a $1.6 billion economic impact during construction and a $1.3 billion annual impact thereafter. The Sphere would create 7,100 full- and part-time jobs, with 1,250 direct employees of the entertainment facility.

MGM National Harbor is the top-grossing casino outside of Las Vegas in terms of annual gaming revenue. In 2025, the casino won $501 million on its slot machines and $322.2 million on its tables. Borgata in Atlantic City, another MGM property, was second at $800.8 million.

Selling Sphere

The MGM National Harbor Sphere has faced backlash since being announced because the project includes $200 million in state and local incentives. With Maryland facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit, some questioned why the state would assist a billionaire in constructing a concert hall.

The EY study concludes that the $200 million is a sound bet for the state and Prince George’s County. The analysis estimates that the county would see $63 million a year in new tax revenue, while the state’s annual benefit would be $65 million.

We continue to see just how transformational this is going to be, not just for Prince George’s County and not just for the state of Maryland, but truthfully for the entire region,” Gov. Wes Moore (D) said Wednesday.

Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy (D) says the county needs to plan for lost revenue when the Commanders move into DC.

I feel really good about getting this project up before the Commanders leave,” Braveboy said.

Braveboy says the Sphere tax revenue would singlehandedly overcome losses incurred by the Commanders’ move. The entertainment destination would also cover tax reductions caused by the 2025 closing of Six Flags America in Woodmore.