Trump Seeks to Have Washington Commanders' $3.7 Billion Stadium Named After Him

President Donald Trump is actively pursuing the naming rights for the Washington Commanders' planned $3.7 billion stadium, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. A senior White House source confirmed that back-channel communications have occurred with members of the Commanders ownership group, led by Josh Harris, to express Trump's desire for the domed stadium in the nation's capital to bear his name.

White House Position and Stadium Background

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged Trump's interest in the stadium naming, telling ESPN via email that "it would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible." The senior White House source went further, stating unequivocally: "It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen." The new stadium is being constructed on the historic RFK Stadium site that served as the Commanders' home from 1961 to 1996.

Governance and Approval Process

The decision regarding stadium naming doesn't rest solely with the Commanders organization. According to sources with knowledge of the process, the District of Columbia Council, which will lease the stadium to the Commanders, and the National Park Service, which manages the federal government land, would both need to approve any naming decision. "The team doesn't have the authority. They can't name the stadium... on their own," a source explained. "The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved."

Political Context and Leverage

Trump's interest in the stadium naming comes amid broader political considerations. In July, Trump had threatened to block stadium construction if Harris didn't change the team name from Commanders back to its former Redskins nickname. Sources indicate Trump possesses significant leverage in the naming decision, with one source noting: "He has cards to play. He can make it very difficult, through government environmental approvals and other things, to make sure everyone who wants this stadium to be built will join to put his name on it."

Stadium Project Details

The Commanders' $3.7 billion stadium project represents the largest economic development initiative in Washington D.C. history. The team will invest $2.7 billion and cover all cost overruns for the 65,000-seat stadium situated on a 174-acre parcel just two miles from the U.S. Capitol. The district will contribute $1 billion toward the project, which includes housing developments, a sports complex, and retail shops alongside the stadium itself.

Naming Rights Precedents

Most NFL teams sell stadium naming rights to corporate sponsors for hundreds of millions of dollars, which the Harris ownership group had presumably intended to do. However, a handful of stadiums combine nicknames with sponsors, such as Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, while others like Green Bay's Lambeau Field carry no sponsor names. Trump reportedly wants the Commanders stadium named after him in a tribute similar to Lambeau Field, rather than having a corporate sponsor purchase the naming rights on his behalf.

Conclusion

The potential naming of the Washington Commanders' stadium after President Trump represents a significant development in sports, politics, and urban development. With the stadium scheduled to open in 2030 and multiple government entities involved in the approval process, the outcome will likely depend on political negotiations and the exercise of presidential influence. The situation underscores the complex intersection of sports, business, and politics in major infrastructure projects.