Trump Reportedly Wants New Washington Commanders Stadium Named After Him

President Donald Trump has reportedly requested that the Washington Commanders name their planned $3.7 billion stadium after him, according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions. The stadium, set to open in 2030 on the site of the old RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., is viewed as a centerpiece of the team’s return to the nation’s capital.

A senior White House official told ESPN that back-channel communications were made between Trump’s team and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris, to express the president’s interest in the naming. “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt in an emailed statement Friday.

The Commanders declined to comment publicly, though sources within the organization confirmed that Trump is expected to attend Sunday’s home game against the Detroit Lions as Harris’ guest. The president will reportedly take part in halftime ceremonies honoring military members.

While Trump is anticipated to discuss the stadium with Harris during the game, team officials maintain that no formal talks about naming rights have taken place. The issue, however, is already generating significant political and public interest in Washington.

1. Legal and Political Complexities Around Naming Rights

The Commanders currently control the stadium’s commercial naming rights, typically sold to corporate sponsors for substantial sums. However, designating the stadium’s official name—particularly if it honors an individual—would involve a broader approval process. A source with direct knowledge of the project said the decision would ultimately rest with the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service, which manages the federally owned land at the former RFK site. “The team doesn’t have the authority. They can’t name the stadium on their own,” the source explained. “The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved.” The stadium project, formally approved by an 11–2 D.C. Council vote on September 17, will see the Commanders invest $2.7 billion—covering all cost overruns—while the district contributes $1 billion. The result will be a 65,000-seat domed venue, alongside housing developments, retail spaces, and a sports complex. Mayor Muriel Bowser has called it “the largest economic development project in D.C. history.” Trump’s push for naming recognition follows his prior statements about the Commanders’ rebranding. In July, he publicly threatened to block construction unless the team reverted to its former name, the Redskins, which was dropped in 2020 due to controversy over its cultural insensitivity.

2. The Stadium’s Symbolism and Trump’s Influence

For Washington fans, the RFK site holds historic significance as the team’s home from 1961 to 1996, where the franchise celebrated three Super Bowl victories. The return to D.C. under new ownership marks a symbolic reset after years of turmoil under former owner Dan Snyder. Most NFL franchises have sold naming rights to corporate sponsors, creating lucrative revenue streams. Only a few, such as Lambeau Field in Green Bay and Soldier Field in Chicago, are named as tributes rather than for financial deals. Sources told ESPN that Trump is seeking a similar approach — not a sponsorship, but a symbolic dedication recognizing his role in facilitating the project. The White House’s assertion that “it will probably happen” underscores Trump’s confidence in his ability to influence the process. According to one source, Trump could leverage government mechanisms such as environmental reviews or permitting processes to pressure local and federal entities into compliance. “He has plenty of cards to play to get his way,” the source said. This effort aligns with broader moves by Trump and his allies to attach his name to public projects. Earlier this year, lawmakers proposed renaming the Kennedy Center as the Donald J. Trump Center for Performing Arts, part of a wider effort to cement his legacy through prominent landmarks.

3. A Political and Public Test for the Commanders

The Commanders’ ownership group, which includes Harris and several high-profile investors, faces a delicate balancing act as it navigates Trump’s request. Accepting could alienate some fans and corporate partners, while rejecting it might strain relations with the administration overseeing key approvals for the site. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and D.C. Mayor Bowser have both voiced support for the project, but neither has commented on Trump’s reported naming request. Given the Commanders’ history of controversy over the team name and ownership, the latest development adds another layer of political complexity to the franchise’s rebuilding efforts. For now, Trump’s request remains unofficial, and no formal proposal has been submitted. Yet, with construction set to begin soon, decisions on naming rights—and the political symbolism that comes with them—are likely to take center stage in the coming months. If Trump’s wish is granted, the new Commanders’ stadium could become one of the most politically charged sports venues in American history, bridging football, politics, and presidential legacy in a single structure.