Top News

White House Supports Naming Commanders Stadium After Trump/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The White House endorsed the idea of naming the Washington Commanders’ new stadium after President Donald Trump, calling it a “beautiful” tribute. Trump reportedly wants his name on the nearly $4 billion venue being built in D.C. on the RFK Stadium site. The Commanders and city officials have declined to comment publicly.

Commanders Stadium + Trump Naming Quick Looks

• White House backs naming new NFL stadium after Trump
• Trump may attend Sunday’s Commanders game vs. Lions
• ESPN reports Trump wants naming rights on new venue
• Press secretary says Trump “made the rebuilding possible”
• New stadium to be built on historic RFK site in D.C.
• Project includes $2.7B from Commanders, $1.1B from the city
• Stadium deal passed by D.C. Council, demolition underway
• Biden signed land transfer bill earlier this year
• Team declines comment on naming speculation
• Trump previously demanded return to “Redskins” team name

Deep Look: White House Says Naming New Commanders Stadium After Trump Would Be ‘Beautiful’

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The White House said Saturday that naming the Washington Commanders’ new stadium after President Donald Trump would be a “beautiful” tribute, following reports that the former president is actively seeking to have the venue bear his name.

The response came after an ESPN report revealed that an intermediary had communicated Trump’s wishes to the NFL team’s ownership group. The White House confirmed that Trump is expected to attend the Commanders’ game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Marylandwhere American veterans will be honored during halftime.

Commanders, Officials Stay Silent on Naming Plans

While the idea of “Trump Stadium” has quickly sparked buzz, the team has declined to comment on the report. A spokesperson for the Washington Commanders responded to inquiries with a brief statement: “No comment.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office also declined to weigh in.

The discussion around stadium naming rights coincides with a massive redevelopment project currently underway on the site of the former RFK Stadiumthe longtime home of Washington’s NFL team before its rebranding. The team played at RFK during its three Super Bowl-winning decades in the 1980s and 1990s.

Massive Stadium Deal Brings NFL Back to the Capital

In Aprila major deal was announced between the Commanders and the District of Columbia to bring the team back to the city. The new stadium is projected to cost nearly $4 billionwith funding split between $2.7 billion from the team and $1.1 billion from the city. The plan includes more than just a stadium—it will feature housing, green spaceand a sports complex along the Anacostia River.

President Joe Biden signed legislation early in 2025 to transfer federal land, including the old RFK Stadium property, to the city, making the development possible. The D.C. City Council approved the deal in Septemberand demolition of the old stadium has already begun.

Trump’s History of Branding and Stadium Interference

President Trump’s interest in attaching his name to high-profile properties dates back to his real estate career, with branding ventures that span skyscrapers, hotels, golf coursesand even Bibles and cologne.

Naming a professional football stadium would be a high-profile addition to his portfolio—and a symbol of political and cultural influence at the heart of the nation’s capital.

Trump has previously inserted himself into the Commanders’ affairs. In Julyhe threatened to oppose the stadium deal unless the team reversed its name change and went back to being called the “Redskins,” a name that has long been criticized as racist and offensive to Native Americans.

Though the team didn’t act on that request, the current push to name the stadium after Trump may reflect an effort to solidify his connection to the franchise and to a high-visibility national institution like the NFL.

No Clear Path Yet for Stadium Naming Decision

Despite the White House’s enthusiastic remarks, no official naming decision has been made publicand it’s unclear what formal process the team will follow to choose a name. Naming rights for major stadiums are typically sold to corporate sponsorsoften involving multi-million dollar deals over several years.

Whether Trump plans to purchase naming rights or seek an honorary naming remains unknown. Given the political sensitivities surrounding his involvement, the team may face challenges in navigating public reaction and league approval.

With Trump’s expected attendance at the Commanders game on Sunday, the speculation is likely to grow—and his comments, if made, could signal how serious he is about seeing Trump Stadium become a reality.

More on Sports