Published on: January 19, 2026, 07:43h.
Updated on: January 19, 2026, 07:44h.
- Sphere Entertainment has unveiled plans for a second Sphere in the US
- Sphere National Harbor will be a scaled-down version of the Las Vegas Sphere
- National Harbor features an MGM casino
A Las Vegas-style Sphere may soon arrive in Maryland, located at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, just outside Washington, D.C.
On Sunday, Sphere Entertainment, led by billionaire James Dolan and his Madison Square Garden sports and entertainment group, announced their intention to create a mini-Sphere at the casino resort. Unlike the Las Vegas Sphere, which accommodates nearly 19,000 guests, the Maryland version will hold about 6,000.
Dolan mentioned that the project will follow Sphere Entertainment’s “smaller-scale design model.”
“Our mission has consistently been to establish a global network of Spheres in innovative cities. Sphere represents a transformative experiential medium. With the support of Governor Wes Moore, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, the State of Maryland, and Prince George’s County, we see the immense potential of a Sphere at National Harbor to enhance immersive experiences in the area,” he shared.
While no specific budget was released for the initiative, Sphere Entertainment announced that financing would be bolstered by $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. Of this, $130 million would exempt Sphere from local taxes, while $10 million in state funding would support construction.
Maryland’s $1.4 billion budget deficit may lead to some resistance regarding state funding of a billionaire’s entertainment venue.
Sphere National Harbor
The envisioned Sphere is expected to be approximately one-third the size of the flagship location in Las Vegas that reshaped the city skyline upon its opening in 2023.
The original Las Vegas Sphere’s expenses exceeded initial estimates. Originally forecasted to cost $1.2 billion, the actual expense soared to around $2.3 billion, largely attributed to the global supply chain disruptions between 2021 and 2023.
The Sphere has successfully hosted a variety of notable residencies, including performances by U2, Dead & Company, the Eagles, Kenny Chesney, and the Backstreet Boys. The interactive “Wizard of Oz” film experience has also drawn significant attention. Billboard recognized the Sphere as the highest-grossing large-scale music venue globally in 2025, generating sales of $370.3 million, with London’s O2 Arena in second place at $281.9 million.
After a lengthy period of operating at a loss, Sphere Entertainment reported a positive adjusted operating income last year. However, experts suggest achieving consistent long-term profitability on the $2.3 billion investment remains a challenge.
The Sphere at MGM National Harbor will not bear the same hefty operational or initial financial burdens. State and local leaders are optimistic that this venture will yield significant benefits for all stakeholders.
“Maryland has a storied tradition of offering premier entertainment, and we are thrilled to collaborate with Sphere Entertainment to realize this groundbreaking project,” expressed Moore. “This initiative is poised to be one of the most substantial economic development efforts in Prince George’s County history — demonstrating once more that our state is the prime location in the country for turning aspirations into reality. We are eager to see the positive impact this will have on our community and how it will highlight Maryland’s best attributes to visitors.”
MGM Casino
MGM National Harbor was inaugurated in December 2016, with a construction cost of $1.4 billion. MGM’s venture into the Washington D.C. region has proven to be exceedingly successful.
Regarded as the leading casino in the US outside of Las Vegas, MGM National Harbor spans 159,000 square feet and features 2,300 slot machines along with 160 live dealer table games, in addition to a BetMGM Sportsbook. The resort boasts 308 guest rooms.