WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump reportedly wants the Washington Commanders’ new $3.7 billion stadium named in his honor, according to multiple sources who spoke with ESPN.
The stadium, set to be built on the site of the old RFK Stadium, would mark the team’s return to its “spiritual home” in Washington after decades playing in Maryland.
A senior White House source confirmed that back-channel communications have taken place between Trump’s team and a member of the Commanders’ ownership group, led by billionaire Josh Harris.
“It’s what the president wants, and it will probably happen,” the source told ESPN.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added in an email: “That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
Trump’s stadium vision and leverage
The new domed stadium is projected to open in 2030 with seating for 65,000 fans, and is being called “the largest economic development project in D.C. history.”
While most NFL stadiums sell naming rights to corporate sponsors for hundreds of millions, Trump reportedly isn’t interested in buying the rights. Instead, he wants the stadium named as a tribute, much like Green Bay’s Lambeau Field or Chicago’s Soldier Field.
A source close to the project told ESPN that Trump “has cards to play” — suggesting he could leverage government approvals and environmental reviews to push his name onto the building.
“He can make it very difficult for anyone who wants this stadium to be built unless they agree,” the source said. “Trump has plenty of leverage.”
Returning to RFK — and reviving old controversies
The Commanders’ new home will be built on 174 acres just two miles from the U.S. Capitol, with $2.7 billion in private investment and $1 billion from the District. The project will also include new housing, retail, and sports facilities.
In July, Trump threatened to block the construction of the new stadium unless the team changed its name back to the Washington Redskins, which many Native American groups consider offensive.
“The Washington ‘Whatever’s’ should immediately change their name back to the Washington Redskins Football Team,” Trump wrote on Truth Social at the time. “There is a big clamoring for this.”
The D.C. Council approved the RFK Stadium project in September, voting 11–2 to allow the Commanders’ long-awaited return to the city. However, the naming decision ultimately rests with the District Council and the National Park Service, which owns the land.
Trump’s growing presence in sports
Trump, who has embraced sports as part of his patriotic branding, has made frequent appearances at major events during his second administration — including UFC fights, college wrestling championships, and now NFL games.
He’s expected to attend the Commanders’ home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday as a guest of Josh Harris, taking part in halftime Veterans Day ceremonies honoring the military.
Commanders team president Mark Clouse said in a statement:
“We are honored to welcome President Trump as we celebrate those who serve and continue to serve our country. The entire Commanders organization is proud to participate in the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative this Sunday.”
What’s next
The new Commanders stadium, officially named later this decade, will be a centerpiece for Washington’s 250th anniversary celebrations and a major economic engine for the city.
Whether it ends up being called the Donald J. Trump Stadium remains to be seen — but as one insider put it, “It’s what the president wants, and he usually finds a way to get it.”
