Donald Trump is making headlines again, this time for his push to have the NFL’s Washington Commanders name their new $3.7 billion stadium after him. According to insiders, he’s in talks with the team’s ownership and is also trying to influence relevant government bodies that must approve the project.
A senior White House official confirmed that Trump has expressed his desire directly to members of Josh Harris’s ownership group. “It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen,” said the official. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced this, stating, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
The team is preparing for informal discussions during Trump’s visit to the upcoming home game against the Detroit Lions, but no formal talks have yet occurred. The Commanders are set to return to the RFK Stadium site, which was their home from 1961 to 1996. The new stadium, featuring 65,000 seats and a dome, is part of a large mixed-use development planned to open in 2030.
While the Commanders have commercial rights for the stadium, they cannot independently decide to name it. The National Park Service controls the land, and the D.C. Council will lease the stadium to the team based on legislation approved last September. A source familiar with the situation noted, “The team doesn’t have the authority. They can’t name the stadium on their own.”
This setup gives Trump considerable influence. As a former president, he has sway over federal agencies that handle land-use approvals for the RFK site. “He has cards to play,” a source explained. “He can create challenges for the stadium’s construction unless his naming wishes are met.”
Trump aims for the name to be a tribute, akin to famous venues like Soldier Field in Chicago or Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Interestingly, the larger RFK project represents a major economic endeavor for Washington. The Commanders will invest $2.7 billion, while the district contributes $1 billion, creating a vibrant area that includes housing, retail, and a sports complex across 174 acres.
Historically, Trump has been vocal about the Commanders. Back in July, he suggested he might block the stadium unless the team returned to its former name, the Redskins, which was retired in 2020. Though the Harris ownership hasn’t shown interest in reverting the name, fan support for the old name persists.
As Trump attends the game as a special guest, he will participate in military appreciation events during halftime—a move that could strengthen his ties with the fan base.
Trump’s involvement in sports isn’t new, as he has also navigated other sports-related controversies. Understanding this dynamic can shed light on how sports, politics, and public sentiment often intertwine.
For more detailed updates on the Commanders and the stadium’s development, you can check out ESPN’s coverage here.
