The Washington Commanders are in the process of building a new $3.7 billion stadium. It's being constructed on the old RFK Stadium site, where the team played between 1961 to 1996. The futuristic stadium will feature a domed roof and is expected to accommodate 65,000 fans upon completion.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Yet, in an interesting turn of events, it would appear that President Donald Trump would like the stadium to be named after him. Trump will reportedly be in attendance for the Commander's home game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Nov. 9.
When speaking with ESPN on Friday, Nov. 7, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt noted how Trump had helped make the rebuilding of the stadium a possibility.
"That would be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible," Leavitt said.
The Commanders do own the stadium's naming rights. However, they're expected to field offers from corporate sponsors, as has become commonplace within the professional sports world.
The Commanders Can't Name the Team on Their Own
According to sources within the District of Columbia Council and the National Park Service, who spoke with ESPN, the Commanders don't have the authority to name the team on their own. Instead, a committee of city officials would likely be designated to approve any naming rights.
"The team doesn't have the authority. They can't name the stadium ... on their own," The source told ESPN. "The city would be involved in that decision, and the Park Service would be involved."
Nevertheless, Trump's influence could swing a decision if he desires his name to be etched into the Washington district beyond the White House.
"It's what the president wants, and it will probably happen," a White House source told ESPN.
The Commanders Have Endured a Slow Start
It's been a tough start to the NFL season for the Commanders. They've lost six of their nine games and sit third in the NFC East. They will face the Lions on Sunday, with the hope of adding another victory to their record.
Regardless of how this season plays out, the Commanders may continue to make the headlines, especially if Trump pushes ahead with securing naming rights for the new-build stadium.
