Washington Commanders’ New $3.7 Billion Stadium Faces Naming Rights Push from Donald Trump
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly wants the new $3.7 billion (approximately 5.4 trillion won) stadium of the Washington Commanders NFL team to bear his name. the stadium, planned for the site of the former RFK Stadium – home to the team from 1961 to 1996 – is slated to open as early as 2030.
Sources cited by ESPN indicate a senior White House official has informally communicated this desire to a member of the Commanders’ ownership group. When questioned, White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt stated, “President Trump made the reconstruction of the new stadium possible, so (using ‘Trump’) would be a stunning name.” Another White House official affirmed, “That’s what the president wants,” adding, “It will probably happen.”
The Commanders have not officially commented. However, a team official confirmed President Trump’s attendance at Sunday’s home game against the Detroit Lions, at the owner’s invitation, and his participation in a halftime military appreciation event. ESPN reports the team anticipates discussing the new stadium with Trump during this visit.
Naming rights for new stadiums are typically sold to corporate sponsors. However,naming a stadium after an individual requires approval from both the Washington D.C. Congress and the National Park Service. “Consultation between the city government and federal agencies is essential,” one official noted.
President Trump has a history of branding ventures with his name, including “Trump International Las Vegas,” “Trump International New York,” and nearly 20 golf courses globally. In July, a Republican Party proposal sought to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts as the “Donald J Trump Center for the Performing Arts.” Reports also suggest Trump is considering naming a new White House banquet hall in his honor.
