The Washington Commanders took a significant step forward in their pursuit of a new domed stadium in Washington, D.C., on Friday, while grappling with a naming-rights controversy involving President Donald Trump.
04:42 ET, 20 Nov 2025
Trump was in attendance for Commanders-Lions
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Trump was in attendance for Commanders-Lions game(Image: Getty)
The Washington Commanders have accelerated their stadium plans this week, taking a significant step toward replacing RFK Stadium with a cutting-edge domed venue in Washington, D. C., amid a naming-rights dispute involving President Donald Trump.
The Commanders, whose recent game featured an anthem singer who drew criticism for her wardrobe selection, revealed that international architecture firm HKS, Inc. has been chosen as the lead designer for the new $3.8 billion stadium, which is projected to accommodate around 65,000 fans and debut in the 2030 NFL season.
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This represents a crucial development in the franchise's prolonged push to relocate back to the District following an extended period in Maryland.
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"Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District," said team president Mark Clouse in a statement.
Demolition continues on RFK Memorial Stadium
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Demolition continues on the RFK Memorial Stadium(Image: Getty)
"HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact.", reports the Express US.
The initiative, greenlit by the D. C. Council in September 2025, will occupy the former RFK Stadium location along the Anacostia River, where the Commanders plan to develop a mixed-use neighborhood featuring residential units, shopping areas, hotels and parkland centered around the new stadium.
The District is projected to provide approximately $1 billion in infrastructure funding, while the team will finance the majority of the expense.
Yet while the design and funding seem finalized, the question of naming rights remains unresolved and has sparked debate.
Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting Trump wants the stadium named in his honor, framing it as recognition rather than a traditional naming-rights deal.
Donald Trump
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Donald Trump wants the stadium to be names in his honor(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
He allegedly made the request through intermediaries, pointing to his involvement in pushing the project forward.
The White House also commented, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt saying, "That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible."
Still, team insiders indicate no official naming discussions have taken place yet, ESPN reports.
While the Commanders hold the naming rights under their deal, the federal nature of the site—overseen by the National Park Service and leased through the District—means neither the franchise nor Trump can make that call alone.
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On the design front, the Commanders say the venue will blend the classic feel of D. C. football with a contemporary, flexible arena capable of hosting concerts, global events and possibly even a Super Bowl.
"We're reimagining what home-field advantage means," said HKS global venues director Mark A. Williams.
"We'll carry that spirit forward in a bold new way."