Scaled-Back Las Vegas Sphere Planned for MGM National Harbor Near Nation’s Capital
Posted on: January 19, 2026, 07:43h.
Last updated on: January 19, 2026, 07:44h.
- Sphere Entertainment has proposed a second Sphere in the US
- Sphere National Harbor would be a miniature version of the Las Vegas Sphere
- National Harbor is home to an MGM casino
A Las Vegas sphere could be coming to Maryland by way of MGM National Harbor, just outside the nation’s capital in Oxon Hill.
On Sunday, Sphere Entertainment, owned by billionaire James Dolan and his Madison Square Garden sports and entertainment conglomerate, announced the proposal of a mini-Sphere at the casino resort. While the Las Vegas Sphere can accommodate almost 19,000 seated audience members, the Maryland Sphere would seat only 6,000.
Dolan said the project would utilize Sphere Entertainment’s “smaller-scale design model.”
“Our focus has always been on creating a global network of Spheres across forward-looking cities. Sphere is a new experiential medium. With a commitment to bringing innovative opportunities to residents and visitors, Governor Wes Moore, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County recognize the potential for a Sphere at National Harbor to elevate and advance immersive experiences across the area.”
No price tag for the undertaking was disclosed, though the Sphere Entertainment release said financing would be aided by $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. $130 million of the deal would forego Sphere from local taxes, but the package also includes $10 million towards construction from the state.
Maryland is facing a $1.4 billion budget deficit, which might cause some opposition to the state assisting a billionaire in building an entertainment venue.
Sphere National Harbor
The proposed Sphere is roughly a third of the size of the original attraction in Las Vegas. The domed, LED-enveloped structure altered the Las Vegas skyline when it debuted in 2023.
Sphere Las Vegas cost much more than Dolan had hoped. Initially budgeted at $1.2 billion, the final bill was nearly double at $2.3 billion, with the 2021-2023 global supply chain crisis blamed for the runaway costs.
Sphere has hosted several successful residencies, including those from U2, Dead & Company, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, and the Backstreet Boys. The interactive “Wizard of Oz” movie experience has also been a hit. Billboard ranked the Sphere as the top-grossing large-scale music venue worldwide in 2025, with gross sales of $370.3 million. London’s O2 Arena was a distant second at $281.9 million.
After years of operating at a loss, Sphere Entertainment reported positive adjusted operating income last year. However, analysts say consistent long-term profitability on the $2.3 billion investment remains a challenge.
The MGM National Harbor Sphere won’t face nearly the same overhead or upfront financial load. State and local officials think a Sphere at National Harbor will be a major win for everyone involved.
“Maryland has a long history of providing world-class entertainment, and we could not be more excited to work with Sphere Entertainment to bring this cutting-edge project to life,” said Moore. “This will be one of the largest economic development projects in Prince George’s County history — proving once again our state is the best place in the country to bring dreams to life. We’re excited for what this means for our people, and how it will showcase the best of what Maryland has to offer to everyone who visits.”
MGM Casino
MGM National Harbor opened in December 2016 at a cost of $1.4 billion. MGM’s bet on the capital region has been a major winner ever since.
Considered the top-grossing casino in the country outside of Las Vegas, MGM National Harbor’s casino spans 159,000 square feet and has 2,300 slot machines and 160 live dealer table games, plus a BetMGM Sportsbook. The resort includes 308 guestrooms.
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