Contemplating Trump's Push for Reinstating the 'Redskins' Nickname by Washington Commanders' Owners
The Washington Commanders, once known as the Redskins, have maintained their new identity since rebranding in 2020, as demonstrated by their recent high-profile naming rights deal with BigBear.ai [2][3]. However, former President Donald Trump has publicly demanded a reversion to the old name and threatened to block negotiations for a new stadium deal in Washington unless his demand is met [1][4].
The Commanders' new ownership, led by Josh Harris since 2023, appears focused on building the franchise's infrastructure and brand under the current name [2][3]. The stadium deal for the Commanders involves working with the DC government, led by left-wing mayor Muriel Bowser, and has no direct federal funding.
Trump's influence is largely political and symbolic, pursuing a reversion to the old name and using stadium negotiations as leverage. The sports executive who knows Trump well believes that Harris and Blitzer, the Commanders' owners, may have to "bow and kiss the ring" to Trump to avoid potential issues with the stadium deal [6]. Harris and Blitzer have been privately warning business associates that Trump's attacks on the name change could impact the stadium deal [7].
The stadium is on federal land and will need approvals from US agencies like the National Capital Planning Commission and the US Commission of Fine Arts, some of which are occupied by Trump appointees [5]. There is a fear that Trump could use his influence over these entities to extract concessions related to the stadium deal.
Despite Trump's criticisms, the Commanders have publicly stated that the team will remain the Commanders [8]. Harris and Blitzer have not publicly responded to Trump's threats, but the team's actions suggest a commitment to moving forward under their current name and logo.
In summary, while Trump's involvement introduces a political dimension, the Commanders’ organization continues with their established branding and operational plans. The team remains the Washington Commanders, and the stadium deal is progressing, albeit with potential complications due to Trump's influence.
- The stadium deal for the Washington Commanders requires collaboration with the DC government, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser, and does not include direct federal funding.
- Trump's influence in the controversy surrounding the Commanders' name change is mainly political and symbolic, using stadium negotiations as leverage.
- The sports executive familiar with Trump believes Harris and Blitzer, the Commanders' owners, might need to appease Trump to avoid potential issues with the stadium deal.
- The Commanders' actions indicate a commitment to moving forward with their current name, the Commanders, despite Trump's demands for a reversion to the old Redskins name.
- The stadium, located on federal land, requires approvals from US agencies like the National Capital Planning Commission and the US Commission of Fine Arts, some of which are occupied by Trump appointees.
- There is a concern that Trump could use his influence over these entities to negotiate concessions related to the stadium deal, despite the Commanders publicly stating that the team will remain the Commanders.
