Virginia lawmakers are set to take up legislation to enable Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin's plan to build a new professional sports arena and entertainment district in Alexandria. The legislation is expected to be among the most high-profile issues legislators grapple with during the 2024 session, which begins Wednesday. Youngkin announced in December the state had the framework of a deal to relocate the NBA’s Washington Wizards and NHL’s Washington Capitals across the Potomac. Lawmakers are being asked to create a public entity to help finance the project. Supporters say it's a generational win for a state without a major professional sports team. Critics call it a giveaway to the wealthy.
