President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to add another major structure to his property portfolio by having his name adorn the Washington Commanders' new multi-billion pound NFL stadium.
The Stadium Naming Push
According to an ESPN report citing unnamed sources, a senior White House official has contacted the Commanders' ownership group to propose the naming idea. One source close to the situation stated, "It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen."
When questioned by ESPN, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt didn't confirm the discussions but endorsed the concept, calling Trump's moniker a "beautiful name" for the venue. She credited the president with making the stadium's reconstruction possible.
Approval Hurdles and Stadium Details
The Commanders aren't the sole decision-makers in this naming process. The District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service must both approve any name for the stadium, as the council is leasing the facility to the team and the Park Service manages the land at the old RFK Stadium site.
The new $3.7 billion stadium is scheduled to open in 2030 and will be constructed on the site of the former RFK Stadium in southeast Washington, D.C., near the Anacostia River. The D.C. Council approved the stadium plans in November.
Trump's Broader Branding Campaign
This isn't President Trump's first intervention regarding the Commanders' future home. In July, he threatened to delay the stadium deal unless the team reverted to its original "Redskins" name, writing on Truth Social that there was "a big clamoring for this."
The stadium naming effort aligns with Trump's pattern of treating his name as a commercial brand. Recent initiatives include:
- A Trump administration drug retail website called "TrumpRX"
- A "Trump Gold Card" programme allowing wealthy foreigners pathway to US citizenship
- Plans for a $1 "Trump" coin featuring the president's face
- A deal with Boeing to develop a new fighter jet designated "F-47"
President Trump is expected to attend the Commanders' game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, where ESPN's source claims he will discuss the stadium naming with team owners during his visit.
