Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has stated definitively that the Philadelphia Eagles will remain in the city, despite the NFL franchise exploring options for its long-term stadium future. Shapiro's remarks came during the team's annual open practice.
"Here’s what I can tell you for sure: It’s going to be in the city of Philadelphia," Shapiro said Tuesday. "And we’ll work with the Eagles once they determine what it is that they’re interested in doing. But I appreciate the thoughtful and deliberative approach that they’ve taken to this process."
The Eagles' current lease at Lincoln Financial Field is set to expire after the 2032 season, prompting the team to examine its stadium strategy. Philadelphia owner Jeffrey Lurie indicated earlier this year that the franchise is in an "exploratory research" phase and anticipates having a more concrete plan within the next one to two years.
Last summer, the team surveyed season-ticket holders on the possibilities of either renovating the existing Lincoln Financial Field or constructing a new stadium "in the region." This survey fueled speculation about a potential move outside of Philadelphia's city limits.
In March, Lurie declined to commit to keeping the team in South Philadelphia or within the city, stating the organization would prioritize "whatever is best for the fans." Shapiro, however, has consistently pushed back against the idea of the Eagles relocating.
"The Eagles organization is thinking about what they want for the future, and we know that the future is going to be here in Philadelphia," Shapiro reiterated. "They’re going to think about what they want as a home for the next 30, 40, 50 years, and then we’ll have a conversation when they’re ready to have it."
The Eagles have a long history in Philadelphia, having played there since their founding in 1933. The team has moved between Franklin Field and Veterans Stadium before settling into Lincoln Financial Field, which opened in 2003.
This situation echoes that of the Chicago Bears, who have played at Soldier Field since 1971 but are now considering building a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The Bears' board voted in June to explore a move across state lines, and team president Kevin Warren has stated that Hammond is the organization's "sole focus."