Trump's Call for Commanders to Revert Name or Lose $3.7B Stadium Deal

The Debate Over the Washington Commanders' Name

President Donald Trump has recently taken a strong stance on the name of the Washington Commanders, an NFL team that has been under scrutiny for its previous moniker. In a series of social media posts, Trump demanded that the team revert to its former name, threatening to block a $3.7 billion stadium deal if they don’t comply. This move has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the role of public figures in sports branding.

Ownership and New Ventures

The Washington Commanders have been owned by Josh Harris since 2023. Harris is also the owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, and his company, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, has expanded into other areas, including the upcoming WNBA team set to debut in 2030. Despite the team’s new ownership, a spokesperson for Harris did not immediately comment on Trump's recent posts, leaving many to wonder about the team's stance on the naming issue.

Why the Name Change?

The decision to change the team's name was made in response to pressure from investors, corporate sponsors, and advocacy organizations. The original name, which many considered a slur against Native Americans, had been a point of controversy for decades. Native American leaders had called for a change since the 1970s, and after two seasons as the "Washington Football Team," the franchise officially unveiled its new name, logo, and uniforms in 2022.

Trump's Statements and Threats

In a series of posts on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump called for the Commanders to "IMMEDIATELY" revert to their previous name, stating there was a "big clamoring" for this change. He also urged the Cleveland Guardians to return to their former name, which he claimed was offensive to Native American groups.

Trump argued that "our great Indian people, in massive numbers, want this to happen" and claimed that their heritage and prestige were being taken away. He added, "OWNERS, GET IT DONE!!!," emphasizing his demand for action.

In a later post, Trump threatened to block the Commanders’ proposed $3.7 billion stadium project in Washington, D.C., if they didn't "get rid of the ridiculous moniker, 'Washington Commanders.'" He suggested that the team would be more valuable and the deal more exciting for everyone if they reverted to the old name.

Can Trump Block the Deal?

The proposed 65,000-seat stadium for the Commanders would be built on federal land at the site of the old Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium. An act passed by Congress in January transferred ownership of the site to the city for 99 years, giving D.C.’s City Council control over the project. However, it remains unclear how Trump could block the deal, as the council has yet to approve a redevelopment plan. Public hearings are scheduled for later this month.

Harris’s Perspective on the New Name

Josh Harris has expressed support for the new name, stating that it has been "embraced" by the team. He emphasized that the name "Commanders" represents players who love football, are great at it, hit hard, and are mentally tough. Harris noted that the name is growing in meaning and significance.

Fan sentiment has also shifted over time. While an April 2024 poll found that only 34% of local sports fans liked or loved the name, that number rose to 53% by May 2025, indicating a gradual acceptance of the new identity.

Other Major Projects

Harris has been involved in several major arena deals. The 76ers recently struck a deal to remain in South Philly after abandoning a contentious proposal to build an arena in Center City. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges and opportunities in professional sports infrastructure.