Last Second Hail Mary Attempt to Keep Washington Wizards in DC

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the DC council throw a last second pitch to try and keep the Washington Wizards from moving.

The Washington Wizards (3-19) are reportedly on the move from DC to Northern Virginia.

Wizards' owner Ted Leonsis has been considering the move for some time.

Behind closed doors the Virginia lawmakers have already approved an eight million-square-foot campus in Alexandria, Virginia

READ MORE: Kyle Kuzma Reacts to News of Wizards Move

After the news broke that there would be a press conference with Virginia Govenor Glenn Youngkin in Alexandria at 9 am EST this morning social media exploded.

There have been arguments to both sides and plenty of pros and cons, but this would no doubt do harm to the local economy.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser made it known on X that she wants the Washington Wizards and Capitals to stay at Capital One Arena.

The modernization of the Capital One Arena will be an invaluable investment.

With unanimous support from the DC Council, this proposal represents our commitment to keeping the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals where they belong – in Washington, DC.

— Mayor Muriel Bowser (@MayorBowser) December 13, 2023

In fact, the Council of DC and Bowser announced a "Downtown Arena Modernization and Downtown Revitalization Act of 2023".

This bill would be to support the modernization and revitalization of Capital One Arena and the downtown area of DC.

The total amount allotted for the upgrades would be 500 million dollars.

Washington Wizards Kyle Kuzma (33) and Bilal Coulibaly (0) and Jordan Poole (13) and Daniel Gafford (21) and Tyus Jones (5) during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.  / Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sport

This is a last-ditch effort by the council to try and convince Leonsis to keep the teams in DC.

It is a genuine effort by Bowser knowing how much the Wizards mean to the area, both financially and to fans.

REPORT: Wizards Leaving the District, Moving to Virginia

We don't know what has been said or done behind closed doors but this move has been on the verge of happening for a while it seems so this offer may be too little too late.

UPDATE 8:58 AM EST: Monumental Sports has officially announced a plan to move the Washington Wizards to Alexandia, Virginia.

---

You can follow Gage Sheets on X @SheetsG23

Follow Inside The Wizards on Facebook

Follow Inside The Wizards on X

Keep up with all Washington Wizards news on the SI.com Washington Wizards team page