Former President Donald Trump is reportedly seeking a unique honour for the Washington Commanders' planned new home: his own name on the building. According to a senior White House source, Trump has expressed his desire to have the future NFL stadium bear the Trump name.
The Presidential Request
A senior White House source told ESPN that Donald Trump has directly communicated his naming wishes to the Commanders' ownership group, which is led by Josh Harris. The source confidently stated, "It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen."
This move would align with Trump's established history of branding properties with his name, from hotels and golf courses to a wide range of consumer products. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt endorsed the idea, telling ESPN via email, "That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible."
Stadium Specifications and Location
The proposed venue is a monumental project, with plans for a $3.7 billion domed stadium featuring 65,000 seats. It is scheduled to be constructed in Washington DC at the historic former site of RFK Stadium, which served as the home for the Washington Redskins from 1961 to 1996. The anticipated opening is set for 2030.
When approached for comment on Saturday, a spokesperson for the Commanders, who currently play at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, declined to provide a statement to ESPN.
Naming Rights Precedent in the NFL
The potential for a 'Trump Stadium' breaks from conventional NFL practice. With the notable exceptions of Green Bay's Lambeau Field and Chicago's Soldier Field, NFL stadiums almost always sell their naming rights to corporate sponsors.
Some venues manage to incorporate both a traditional nickname and a sponsor, such as Kansas City's GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Denver's Empower Field at Mile High. This presents a potential compromise for the Commanders, who could theoretically sell the commercial rights while still honouring the presidential request—for example, 'Northwest Field at Trump Stadium'.
In a related development, Trump is expected to be a guest of owner Josh Harris at the Commanders' home game this Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
