The Cleveland Browns’ proposed move to a new stadium in the city’s suburbs could be blocked by the City of Cleveland itself – citing a law pᴀssed after the last time an NFL team left Ohio.

Earlier this year, the Browns announced plans to build a new $2.4billion domed stadium in the Cleveland suburb of Brook Park.

But the city is attempting to find ways to keep the team within its borders – and plans to use the law to keep them there.

The city sent formal notice to the Browns that it intends to enforce a statute known as the ‘Modell Law’ to halt development of the new stadium.

The ‘Modell Law’ is named after former Browns owner Art Modell – who moved the Browns to Baltimore in 1995 and re-named the team the Baltimore Ravens.

According to the law, a pro sports team in Ohio playing in a publicly supported stadium can’t move without giving the city six months’ advanced notice and a chance to buy the franchise.

Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb (L) has informed Browns owner Jimmy Haslam (R) of the city’s intention to invoke the so-called ‘Modell Law’ to prevent the team from moving out

The Browns have plans to build a $2.4bn domed stadium in the Cleveland suburb of Book Park

The Browns will continue to play in Huntington Bank Stadium until their lease expires in 2028

Prior to the city invoking the law, the Browns filed a lawsuit in federal court against the city government in October in an attempt to invalidate it as unconsтιтutional.

In the letter to team owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam, Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb wrote, ‘The Browns have not provided the city or others with the opportunity to purchase the team, as required by law. If that opportunity were provided, the city intends to take a leadership role in ᴀssembling an ‘individual or group of individuals who reside in the area’ in purchasing the team.’

The letter asks for a response from the Browns by January 9. If none comes, Bibb says, ‘the city intends to take appropriate legal action.’

A statement from the Haslam Sports group reads, ‘The statute and the city’s action create uncertainty and do not serve the interest of greater Cleveland. As the city knows, after the 2028 season, we will have fulfilled our lease obligations at the current stadium. 

‘We are determined to create a project to solve our long-term stadium planning by building a new enclosed [stadium] and adjacent mixed-use development, resulting in a substantial increase in premier, large-scale events and economic activity for our region.’ 

Even though they plan to move to Brook Park, a funding plan hasn’t been released and the Haslams hope that half the development costs will be covered by public funding. In addition to Bibb, Cuyahoga County executive Chris Ronayne opposes the move. 

The Browns have been playing in their current home – known since this season as Huntington Bank Field – since 1999 when they were brought back via expansion.

This season, the Browns have put together a record of 3-13 as injuries compounded the already low expectations. They end the season on Saturday against the Ravens.