Cleveland Browns

While the Haslams' Cleveland Browns have their sights set on the suburbs, Dan Gilbert continues his investment in Downtown Cleveland, crafting contrasting visions for urban development.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership has endorsed the Browns’ Brook Park stadium plan, breaking from city and county leaders.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said the county will not financially or logistically support the Cleveland Browns' Brook Park stadium plan, accusing the team of "greed and opportunism."

As Ohio lawmakers mull a proposal to put forth $600 million in state-backed bonds to fund a new domed Browns stadium in Brook Park, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is making his own pitch to the state.

After the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday escalated an ongoing legal battle with the City of Cleveland, Mayor Justin Bibb called the team's "scheme" to move out of the city a "betrayal to Ohio taxpayers."

The plan from the Browns' owners includes a $1.2 billion contribution from the public, which private funders would match. Private funding would also cover any overruns.

As the City of Cleveland and the Browns prep for a legal battle over the team's proposed move out of Downtown to the nearby suburb of Brook Park, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said he believes there is a chance the team may not leave after all.

The city has filed a state law suit against the Browns, invoking the Modell Law. The state law puts up obstacles for teams wishing to leave taxpayer-funded facilities.

The team's attorney indicates the Browns have no intention of backing down from their move from Downtown Cleveland to Brook Park.

Named for the former Browns owner who moved the team to Baltimore in 1996, the Modell law requires Ohio owners whose teams play in taxpayer-funded stadiums to get permission from their home city or give six-month notice with a chance for the city or an investor “in the area” to offer to buy the team.