• Loading stock data...
Sunday, July 6, 2025

Commanders Era Begins In Washington

  • The announcement concludes the franchise’s move away from Native American imagery.
  • Focus now shifts to finding a new stadium to replace outdated FedEx Field.
Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders/Design: Alex Brooks

Dan Snyder stood at the podium Wednesday to introduce his Washington Commanders, a rebrand the NFL owner vowed would “never” occur. 

The placeholder “Washington Football Team” has been used for the last 18 months, when Snyder relented to criticism over the team’s former derogatory name that could have cost the team several sponsors.

More than 40,000 fan submissions flowed in, and the Commanders won after other popular names were tied up by trademark squatters.

The rebrand will reportedly cost the team as much as $20 million, twice what Snyder was fined by the NFL at the conclusion of the league’s investigation of WFT’s alleged toxic workplace last year. That investigation will be the subject of a House Oversight Committee roundtable discussion on Thursday.

With the new name out of the way, next up is a proposed $2 billion domed stadium. The lease at outdated FedEx Field is up in 2027.

  • Two bills were introduced in the Virginia legislature, with two suburban counties considered as possible sites.
  • Maryland, where FedEx Field is located, is in the running, although the lack of legalized sports betting could hinder things there.
  • The site of RFK Stadium, where the Commanders called home for decades, has also been explored.

Next Name Change?

Cleveland’s MLB team became the Guardians in July, and the Commanders announcement completed that franchise’s move away from Native American imagery, but the Atlanta Braves, Chicago Blackhawks, and Kansas City Chiefs remain.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Commanders’ $3.8B Stadium Deal in Jeopardy? Mayor Sounds the Alarm

Political tensions rise about delays in stadium funding approval.
exclusive

ESPN, Fox Reluctant to Share Talent With Netflix for Christmas NFL Games

ESPN talents who worked last year’s games include Laura Rutledge and Mina Kimes.

$600M for Browns Stadium Sparks Cleveland Backlash, Possible Lawsuit

The awarding of public funds draws criticism and could bring a lawsuit.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

How Rolex Paved the Way for Luxury’s Love Affair With Tennis

“It’s almost impossible to think about tennis without thinking about Rolex.”
Athlos
May 4, 2025

Nike Wants to Pull Off the First Women’s Sub-4:00 Mile

Experts speak on whether Nike’s “moonshot” is realistic or a gimmick.
Jul 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., United States; Sheryl Swoopes hosts a WBNA All-Star brunch in honor of her former teammate, Nikki McCray Penson, at Thea in Phoenix on July 19, 2024
May 12, 2025

Sheryl Swoopes: A’ja Wilson Shoe Campaign Shows Nike Sea Change

Nike released the Air Swoopes in 1995.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Apr 12, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; MLB umpire Ron Kulpa (46) calls a third strike during a game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field
May 4, 2025

Pro Refs Get Offered Free Lasik for Better Calls. Some Took It

Some pro officials have sprung for the offer for free corrective surgery.
January 15, 2025

State Farm Cancels Planned Super Bowl Ad Amid California Fires Controversy

State Farm’s Super Bowl ad last year featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito.
Nov 25, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; From left: Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce and Marcus Spears on the ESPN Monday Night Football Countdown set before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium.
December 17, 2024

A ‘Wave’ of Sports Content Is Coming to TikTok

The next generation is consuming sports in a different way.
Apr 7, 2022; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Rory McIlroy (left) and Brooks Koepka set up to putt on no. 9 during the first round of The Masters golf tournament.
November 27, 2024

PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf TV ‘Showdown’ Will Pay Out $10M Crypto..

Two golfers from each tour will face off in Las Vegas.