President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking to have the new Washington Commanders stadium named after him, with the White House endorsing the idea as “beautiful” due to his instrumental role in facilitating the project’s approval. This development, first reported by multiple outlets within the last 24 hours, highlights the intersection of politics and professional sports in the nation’s capital.
According to sources from ESPN and NBC Washington, Trump has communicated his desire through back-channel discussions with the Commanders’ ownership group led by Josh Harris. The reports indicate that an intermediary conveyed the president’s wish for the stadium to bear his name, similar to historic venues like Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, rather than following the typical corporate sponsorship model. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed this stance, stating that it would be a “beautiful” tribute given Trump’s efforts in making the stadium rebuild possible.
The proposed stadium is a massive $3.7 billion project set to be constructed on the site of the old RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., with plans for a 65,000-seat domed facility. It is part of a broader economic development initiative that includes housing, retail spaces, and a sports complex, described by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as the largest in the city’s history. The Commanders will invest $2.7 billion, while the district contributes approximately $1 billion, with the team covering all cost overruns for the scheduled 2030 opening.
Trump’s involvement extends beyond naming rights; he is expected to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday as Harris’ guest, where halftime activities will honor military veterans. Team sources noted that while no formal conversations have occurred, they anticipate potential discussions about the stadium during the event. The Commanders have declined to comment on the naming report, emphasizing that any decision would require approval from multiple entities.
This isn’t the first time Trump has intervened in the team’s affairs. In July, he threatened to block the stadium deal unless the name was changed back to “Redskins,” a term considered offensive to Native Americans, from the current “Commanders.” The name change issue has been contentious, with some fans advocating for a return to the original nickname, but the current ownership has not indicated any plans to alter it. The D.C. Council approved the RFK Stadium project in September, following federal land transfer legislation signed by President Joe Biden last year.
The authority to name the stadium involves the D.C. Council, which will lease the facility to the team, and the National Park Service, which manages the federal land. A source familiar with the process explained that Trump holds significant leverage, as he could influence government approvals related to environmental and other regulatory aspects. This leverage might compel stakeholders to accommodate his naming request, despite the team’s initial intent to sell corporate naming rights for revenue.
If the stadium is named after Trump, it would mark a departure from standard NFL practices and could set a precedent for political influence in sports infrastructure. The outcome may also reflect Trump’s longstanding preference for branding, seen in his golf courses, hotels, and other ventures. As the situation unfolds, the Commanders’ silence and Trump’s upcoming game attendance keep speculation alive, with implications for future public-private partnerships in sports and politics.
