Washington Commanders' Owners Weigh Trump's Call to Restore 'Redskins' Name
Pressure mounts on the owners of the Washington Commanders as they contemplate a potential name change back to the 'Redskins,' a move that could appease former President Trump and influence their stadium negotiations. Insiders reveal that Josh Harris and David Blitzer, who also own the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, are acutely aware of the political landscape surrounding their franchise.
Trump's recent comments, including his dismissal of the current name as “Washington Whatevers,” have intensified scrutiny on the owners. “I may put a restriction on them that if they don’t change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins,’ I won’t make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington,” he stated on social media last week, signaling his potential leverage over the situation.
As discussions about a new $3.7 billion stadium unfold, Harris and Blitzer have privately expressed concerns about how Trump's rhetoric could jeopardize their plans. A source close to the situation noted, “They’re really getting nervous about Trump’s attacks and how they might impact the stadium deal.”
Despite publicly asserting that the team will retain its current name, the owners are navigating a complex relationship with local government, led by Mayor Muriel Bowser. The stadium project lacks federal funding, with D.C. covering approximately $1 billion of the costs, but it still requires approvals from federal agencies influenced by Trump appointees.
The Commanders' ownership is reportedly analyzing various scenarios in which Trump could complicate their business dealings. The stadium's location on federally leased land means that any approvals from entities like the National Capital Planning Commission could be subject to political maneuvering.
Trump's history of leveraging his influence raises questions about whether he would intervene in this case. His appeal to conservative sentiments could sway public opinion against Harris and Blitzer, potentially affecting attendance at games. Observers note that many football fans lean right politically, which could amplify any backlash against perceived 'wokeness.'
In 2020, former owner Dan Snyder changed the team's name amid growing social justice movements, yielding to pressure from various stakeholders who deemed 'Redskins' offensive. Snyder had long defended the name as a point of pride within Native American culture before ultimately selling the team to Harris and Blitzer for $6.05 billion in 2023.
With a shifting cultural landscape and increasing public backlash against progressive movements, one sports executive familiar with Trump suggested that Harris and Blitzer may need to adopt a conciliatory approach. “He may not ultimately try to kill the stadium deal if they don’t change the name but Harris and Blitzer are going to have to grovel before Trump relents,” this individual remarked.
A representative for Harris and Blitzer did not respond to requests for comment regarding these developments.
