President Donald Trump has stepped in to disrupt the plans for a trendy new stadium for the Commanders.
He’s threatening to jeopardize the stadium deal if the team doesn’t revert to its former name. There’s talk about potentially returning to the “Washington Redskins” while limiting the use of the current name, “Washington Commanders.”
The team, which currently plays at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, intends to build a $3.7 billion venue on the old RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C.
However, it’s unclear how Trump might maintain the deal, especially after former President Joe Biden signed legislation earlier this year that transferred control of the stadium land in the Columbia district.
Trump has also suggested that the Cleveland Guardians should go back to their previous name, the Indians, arguing that there’s a significant call for that change as well.
As both the Commanders and the Guardians look ahead to the 2022 season, there’s speculation about new names for each team, yet both franchises seem committed to keeping their current branding.
Chris Antonetti, president of the Guardians, mentioned on Sunday, “We recognize that there are varying views on the decisions we made a few years back, but that’s history now. We’ve developed our brand as Guardians over the last four years, and we’re looking forward to what’s next.”
Since Trump’s remarks, the Commanders have not released an official response, though owner Josh Harris has consistently stated that the team will not revert to its former name once he assumes ownership in 2023.
Trump’s firm position on the team’s name comes just a couple of months after he, Harris, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser gathered in the Oval Office to announce that the 2027 NFL Draft would occur at the National Mall in Washington.
During that meeting, Trump expressed enthusiasm for the plans concerning the new Commanders Stadium, claiming it’s the best location anywhere in the world.
