Posted on Nov 08

Commanders consider stadium naming after Trump amid $3.7B project at RFK site

Posted Nov 8, 2025

The Washington Commanders are moving forward with plans for a new stadium, amidst discussions regarding the potential naming rights involving former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters: This development highlights not only the Commanders' commitment to revitalizing a historic site but also the interplay between politics and sports in the capital.

The new stadium is set to be built on the old RFK Stadium site, which held significant cultural and sporting value for the team and its fans.
With a projected cost of $3.7 billion, financed partly by the team and partly by the District of Columbia, the venue aims to serve as a modern facility that honors a storied past.

What’s new: Trump has expressed interest in having the stadium named after him, a sentiment reportedly communicated through back-channel negotiations with the Commanders’ ownership group, led by Josh Harris.

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, remarked on Trump's influence, stating, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”

Yes, but: The final decision regarding the stadium's name will require approval from relevant governmental bodies, complicating Trump's aspirations.

A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that "the team doesn't have the authority. They can't name the stadium ... on their own."
Despite this limitation, Trump's considerable political leverage could facilitate a favorable outcome for his naming request.

What to watch: As construction progresses toward a 2030 opening, keep an eye on public reaction and local sentiment surrounding the potential naming rights.

Historical precedents suggest that naming a stadium after a controversial figure can lead to mixed responses from fans and the community.
The D.C. Council’s recent vote of 11-2 to approve the RFK Stadium Project underscores political support; however, public opinion may diverge from institutional perspectives.

The bottom line: The Commanders efforts to establish a new home reflect broader trends in NFL stadium development, where financing and naming rights intertwine with political considerations.

A successful negotiation could set a precedent for future collaborations between sports franchises and political figures.
With the Commanders currently playing at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the urgency to create a new identity in a more central location remains paramount.

Zoom Out: The saga surrounding the Commanders and their new stadium exemplifies how modern stadium projects are not merely architectural endeavors but complex social constructs influenced by various stakeholders.

The Commanders plan to invest $2.7 billion in the new stadium, while the D.C. government will contribute $1 billion, indicating a strong partnership that seeks to revitalize the area economically and culturally.

Commanders consider stadium naming after Trump amid $3.7B project at RFK site

Alex Parker

Posted Nov 8, 2025

The Washington Commanders are moving forward with plans for a new stadium, amidst discussions regarding the potential naming rights involving former President Donald Trump.

Why it matters: This development highlights not only the Commanders' commitment to revitalizing a historic site but also the interplay between politics and sports in the capital.

The new stadium is set to be built on the old RFK Stadium site, which held significant cultural and sporting value for the team and its fans.

With a projected cost of $3.7 billion, financed partly by the team and partly by the District of Columbia, the venue aims to serve as a modern facility that honors a storied past.

Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, remarked on Trump's influence, stating, “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”

Yes, but: The final decision regarding the stadium's name will require approval from relevant governmental bodies, complicating Trump's aspirations.

A source familiar with the negotiations indicated that "the team doesn't have the authority. They can't name the stadium ... on their own."

Despite this limitation, Trump's considerable political leverage could facilitate a favorable outcome for his naming request.

What to watch: As construction progresses toward a 2030 opening, keep an eye on public reaction and local sentiment surrounding the potential naming rights.

Historical precedents suggest that naming a stadium after a controversial figure can lead to mixed responses from fans and the community.

The D.C. Council’s recent vote of 11-2 to approve the RFK Stadium Project underscores political support; however, public opinion may diverge from institutional perspectives.

The bottom line: The Commanders efforts to establish a new home reflect broader trends in NFL stadium development, where financing and naming rights intertwine with political considerations.

A successful negotiation could set a precedent for future collaborations between sports franchises and political figures.

With the Commanders currently playing at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, the urgency to create a new identity in a more central location remains paramount.

The Commanders plan to invest $2.7 billion in the new stadium, while the D.C. government will contribute $1 billion, indicating a strong partnership that seeks to revitalize the area economically and culturally.