STWF| WASHINGTON, D.C. | Nov. 8, 2025  — The Washington Commanders’ long-awaited plan for a new state-of-the-art stadium may come with a surprising political twist. According to multiple reports, including ESPN, President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to have the team’s proposed $3.7 billion domed stadium — slated to open in 2030 — named after him.

The new venue is expected to be built on the historic site of the former RFK Stadium, where Washington played from 1961 to 1996, a period that saw the franchise win three Super Bowls and cement its place as one of the NFL’s premier teams. The redevelopment project is one of the most ambitious in league history, aiming to bring professional football back to the nation’s capital after nearly four decades.

But now, the potential name of the new Commanders stadium has become the latest intersection of sports, business, and politics.

Trump’s Reported Pitch

According to a senior White House official, informal discussions have already taken place between representatives from the Trump administration and members of the Commanders’ ownership group, led by billionaire Josh Harris. Trump has reportedly made it clear that he would like the new stadium to bear his name — a request that could prove both controversial and complicated given the political and regulatory landscape surrounding the project.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to ESPN in an emailed statement on Friday that President Trump’s interest is genuine.

“That would be a beautiful name,” Leavitt said. “It was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”

Sources close to the team indicate that Trump’s involvement stems from his administration’s previous support for revitalizing the RFK Stadium site, a federal property overseen by the National Park Service. During his presidency, Trump publicly encouraged redevelopment of the site, calling it “a win for Washington football fans and for the community.”

Team and City Reactions

While the Commanders have not confirmed any formal discussions regarding stadium naming rights, team officials acknowledged that Trump will attend Sunday’s home game against the Detroit Lions as a guest of Harris. The former president is also expected to participate in halftime festivities honoring military service members.

A team spokesperson told ESPN that, while informal conversations may occur, no official negotiations have been initiated regarding the stadium’s name.

“We anticipate conversations this weekend about the stadium project in general,” the spokesperson said, “but any decisions about naming rights are premature.”

The issue is further complicated by the fact that the Commanders do not have unilateral authority to name the stadium. Under the terms of the redevelopment plan, both the D.C. Council and the National Park Service — which controls the federal land where RFK once stood — would play key roles in approving any naming decisions.

A source directly involved in the project told ESPN:

“The team can sell naming rights to a corporate sponsor, but anything involving the stadium’s official name or signage would have to go through city and federal channels. They can’t just name it whatever they want.”

Corporate Naming Rights Still in Play

While Trump’s potential bid for naming recognition is generating headlines, most industry insiders expect the Commanders to pursue a corporate naming rights deal worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Major sports franchises routinely partner with Fortune 500 companies — recent NFL examples include SoFi Stadium (Rams/Chargers) and Allegiant Stadium (Raiders) — for long-term branding agreements.

Still, the idea of naming the stadium after a public figure isn’t unprecedented. The Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati and Lambeau Field in Green Bay honor individuals rather than corporate sponsors. However, applying such an approach to a sitting or former U.S. president, especially one as polarizing as Trump, would be unprecedented in the modern NFL era.

Industry analysts suggest that even if Trump’s name were to appear in some honorary capacity, it would likely be separate from any corporate sponsorship — potentially designated as a “dedication” or “tribute,” rather than a full naming right.

What’s Next for the Commanders’ Stadium Project

The Commanders’ planned stadium is expected to anchor a massive mixed-use complex that includes retail, housing, and a museum celebrating the franchise’s history. The project is projected to generate thousands of jobs and revitalize the Anacostia River area.

For Harris and his ownership group, the immediate focus remains securing final approval from federal and local authorities before breaking ground. Whether or not Trump’s name ultimately becomes part of the venue’s identity could depend on political negotiations and public reaction over the coming months.

Political Overtones Loom Large

For now, Trump’s interest adds a new layer of intrigue to one of the NFL’s biggest stadium stories. The former president’s appearance at Sunday’s game could serve as a public show of goodwill — or the first step in what could become a high-profile branding push.

If Trump’s bid were successful, the “Donald J. Trump Stadium” would become the first major U.S. sports venue named after a president in the modern era — and the most politically charged naming decision in NFL history.