Sports teams have choices, and a look back the infamous Colts’ decision to leave the Baltimore City in the middle of the night reminds us of that fact.
Thanks to a new long-term agreement between the Baltimore Ravens and Baltimore County, the two-time Super Bowl champions will keep their corporate headquarters in Owings Mills for decades to come.
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier and Ravens President Sashi Brown announced the agreement on July 27 in a press release and at the Ravens headquarters, located on a 32-acre campus across from Northwest Regional Park. The deal extends the team’s lease by an initial 10 years and builds on a nearly 30-year partnership between the Ravens and Baltimore County.
The agreement supports up to $120 million in public-private investment to modernize and expand the 200,000-square-foot Under Armour Performance Center. Officials say the agreement will enhance the team’s year-round headquarters, retain a major employer, support hundreds of jobs and protect millions of dollars in annual local and state tax revenue. The agreement is also expected to reinforce the county’s position as a destination for business investment, tourism and professional sports.
This season, the Owings Mills campus is expected to welcome 24,000 fans during training camp and host community events throughout the year.
Agreement highlights include:
- Up to $70 million in investment from the Baltimore Ravens and up to $25 million from Baltimore County over 10 years, subject to approval by the Baltimore County Council.
- A form request submitted by Baltimore County and the Baltimore Ravens for a $25 million investment from the Maryland Department of Commerce.
- $2 million in community benefits
- Five community events or activities each year in partnership with the county
- A lease extension beginning Aug. 1, 2028, with renewal options allowing the Ravens to remain headquartered in the county for up to 40 additional years. The options align the team’s long-term commitment to Owings Mills with its lease at M&T Bank Stadium.
In her remarks, Klausmeier noted that Ravens players, coaches and staff live, shop, dine and volunteer in the county. “This agreement builds on a partnership that has made Baltimore County stronger for nearly three decades and ensures the Ravens will continue to call Baltimore County home for generations to come,” she said.
Since arriving in Maryland in 1996, the Ravens have called Baltimore County home for their football operations. The Under Armour Performance Center, which opened in 2004, has grown into the organization’s year-round headquarters and one of the NFL’s premier training facilities.
Although the facility was “best in league” when the team moved in, Brown said the team needs more space for staff and coaches and needs additional investment in player facilities “to stay competitive in the next 10, 20, 30 years in which we intend to call Baltimore County home.”
Over the past three decades, the Ravens have invested more than $390 million in the Under Armour Performance Center and M&T Bank Stadium, including $134 million in their Baltimore County headquarters.
“Keeping the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore County is a tremendous victory for our residents, our economy, and the entire region,” stated District 4 Councilman Julian Jones, who represents the Randallstown and Owings Mills area. “Beyond their success on the field, the Ravens are an outstanding community partner and a powerful economic engine, creating jobs, attracting investment, and supporting countless local organizations.”
Baltimore County’s financial commitment will be considered by the Baltimore County Council, with a work session anticipated for Sept. 1 and legislative consideration anticipated for Sept. 8.
“This agreement builds on a partnership that has made Baltimore County stronger for nearly three decades and ensures the Ravens will continue to call Baltimore County home for generations to come.” Kathy Klausmeier
County Executive Kathy Klausmeier with Councilmen Julian Jones and Todd Crandall and Ravens President Sashi Brown. Photo: Baltimore County.