POLAND, Ohio – JW Johnson and Whitney Haslam Johnson, managing partners of Haslam Sports Group, which owns the Cleveland Browns, talk about the team’s performance, leadership decisions and the long-term future of the franchise – both on and off the field.
During a Q&A hosted by Tim Petry, CEO of HD Growth Partners, during the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber’s fifth annual Family-Owned Business Recognition Dinner, the Haslams acknowledge that two playoff wins in 14 years is “unacceptable” and explain why difficult decisions were made regarding coaching and leadership changes. They discuss continuity within the organization, confidence in General Manager Andrew Berry and their commitment to building a winning culture for Browns fans.
Beyond football, the Haslams outline their vision for a transformative $3 billion economic development project, including Ohio’s first domed NFL stadium and an adjacent mixed-use development just outside downtown Cleveland. The proposed stadium would feature expanded concourses, a reimagined Dog Pound, improved fan access and the potential to host major national events such as the Super Bowl, Final Four, WrestleMania and major concerts.
They emphasize that the stadium is more than a football venue — it’s a long-term asset for Cleveland and the state of Ohio designed to generate year-round activity and economic impact for decades to come.