# Prince George’s officials backed Sphere labor deal but support shifted

> Prince George’s officials initially supported Sphere labor deal but now face divided stance on public funding.
- Title: Prince George’s officials backed Sphere labor deal but…
- Summary: Prince George’s officials initially supported Sphere labor deal but now face divided stance on public funding. Prince George’s County officials previously…
- Keywords: prince george’s county, sphere, project labor agreement, labor peace agreement, county council, national harbor, public funding, sphere construction, news, local, Prince, George
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/economy/growth-development/prince-georges-county-sphere-agreements-L7O3YRXILJG27IJ2OFWALQI2VQ
- Author: Mennatalla Ibrahim
- Published: 2026-09-25T18:02:20.466+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: prince george’s county, sphere, project labor agreement, labor peace agreement, county council, national harbor, public funding, sphere construction, news, local
## County officials initially supported Sphere labor deal
Eight Prince George’s County elected officials backed requiring a union agreement for the proposed Sphere at National Harbor before the June primary.

> Before the June primary, eight Prince George’s County elected officials said they supported requiring a union agreement for the proposed Sphere at National Harbor.
## County executive opposes Sphere project labor agreement
County Executive Aisha Braveboy’s administration raised concerns that requiring a project labor agreement could hinder local businesses and workers from participating in the $1.4 billion project.

> The county executive’s administration has also raised concerns that requiring a PLA could make it harder for Prince George’s County residents and local businesses to work on the project.
## Sphere refuses project labor agreement
Sphere executives stated they will not enter into a project labor agreement or require subcontractors to change labor practices for a unionized workforce.

> At a Sept. 21 council hearing, a Sphere executive said the company doesn’t plan to enter into a PLA or require its subcontractors to change their labor practices to create a unionized workforce.
## Labor unions push for labor standards
The Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO wants labor standards established before Sphere construction begins to ensure skilled workers and community benefits.

> There would be skilled labor and community benefits that should be needed from [the county] and that workers should be able to benefit from a deal with the county giving a TIF to a billion-dollar corporation.
## County council members support labor agreements
All eight county officials backed project labor agreements and prevailing-wage requirements for future county projects and labor peace for new hotels and grocery stores.

> All eight officials, Braveboy and the seven County Council members seeking reelection, said they supported a PLA and a labor peace agreement for the Sphere’s construction.
## Local unions argue PLA benefits workers
Plumbers & Gasfitters Local Union 5 business manager Terriea Smalls said project labor agreements help workers build careers and businesses through apprenticeships.

> Project labor agreements and using skilled union labor has proven over and over and over to be safer, more efficient, on time, and on budget.
## County council weighs $215 million bonds
The County Council is reviewing up to $215 million in bonds for Sphere and related infrastructure, with a final vote expected in October.

> Prince George’s council weighs approval of up to $215 million in National Harbor Sphere bonds
## Tensions over labor agreement persist
Some council members, led by Krystal Oriadha, continue pressing Sphere despite the company’s refusal to enter a project labor agreement.

> Some council members, led by Oriadha, have continued to press Sphere on labor despite the company’s position.
## County seeks balance in labor agreement
The Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO wants workers, apprentices, and local communities to have a meaningful stake in Sphere development beyond short-term construction jobs.

> This is just not about an economic development project or a new building or a new shiny object at National Harbor. This is an opportunity.
## Key takeaway

Prince George’s County officials previously backed a labor agreement for the Sphere project but now face tension over whether to require a project labor agreement before committing public funds.