President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for the Washington Commanders' new multi-billion dollar stadium to be named in his honour, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The Presidential Request
ESPN has reported, citing a senior White House official, that back-channel conversations have taken place with the Commanders' ownership group, led by Josh Harris. The official stated unequivocally, "It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen."
This development comes as the NFL team prepares for a significant new chapter, building a 65,000-seat venue on the historic site of the old RFK Stadium, which was the Commanders' home from 1961 to 1996.
Leverage and Political Power
The situation is layered with political intrigue. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented to ESPN, "That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible." While she did not confirm the ongoing discussions, her statement underscores the administration's position.
A team source indicated that the immediate focus is on President Trump's scheduled visit to the Commanders' home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, where he will be a guest of owner Josh Harris. It is anticipated that the subject of the stadium naming rights will be a key topic of discussion.
This is not the first time President Trump has intervened in the team's affairs. He had previously threatened to block the new stadium's construction unless the franchise reverted to its former, controversial name, the Redskins. The team had dropped that name in 2020 under previous ownership.
The Complex Path to a Name
Despite the presidential pressure, the path to naming the venue is not straightforward. The Washington Commanders cannot unilaterally decide to name the stadium after an individual, though they can sell the naming rights to a corporate sponsor.
The final decision is a complex web of approvals. The District of Columbia Council, which voted 11-2 in September to approve the build and will invest $1 billion, will lease the stadium to the team. Crucially, the National Park Service, which manages the federal land, is expected to have the ultimate say.
A source told ESPN, "The team doesn't have the authority. The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved." This creates a significant hurdle, as President Trump oversees the very agencies responsible for the land-use approvals required for the project.
The financial scale of the project is immense. The Commanders are contributing $2.7 billion, plus any cost overruns, to the venture, which is slated for completion in 2030.
According to the White House source, the President believes he holds significant leverage, stating he "can make it very difficult, through government environmental approvals and other things" to ensure his name is considered. Reportedly, Trump does not wish to purchase the naming rights or have a sponsor do so, but rather wants the honour bestowed as a form of gratitude for his role in allowing the project to proceed.
The Washington Commanders have formally declined to comment on the rumours.
