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Washington Commanders’ Pursuit after a playing field at the old RFK Stadium site in DC took a big step forward Friday when President Donald Trump put pressure on the organization over his team name.
The DC Council approved the bill by a vote of 9-3. But the legislation must be approved a second time by the council before being sent to Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who helped the commanders execute the plan earlier this year. The second vote comes on September 17th.
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File -Washington commanders who control owner Josh Harris, Center, have been sent a helmet to sign next to the District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, after announcing a new home for the NFL football team on the site of Old RFK Stadium, Monday April 28, 2025, in the National Press Club in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Bowser, team owner Josh Harris and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that it reached an agreement with DC officials at the old RFK Stadium back in April. The three then joined Trump in the Oval Office for a party after that.
The approved proposal would support a $ 3.7 billion redevelopment project with the new stadium, 6,000 housing units a retail area and parkland. The nation’s capital will also host an upcoming NFL draft of National Mall in 2027.
“Today’s approval from the council is transformative for DC and brings the commanders back to our spiritual homes, Harris said in a statement.” Like many fans, RFK was the place of memories that burned my love for this team and this city. Now we are closer than ever to re -enter that energy into a new generation.
“This is a historic moment. This project is about more than delivering a world -class stadium worthy of our players, fans and the region. It’s about reviving a critical part of our city, creating thousands of jobs and unlocking the long -term financial benefits for the district. We look forward to working with our fans, residents, social leaders and chosen officials to deliver this vision.”
RFK Stadium in Washington before the start of an MLS football match between DC United and Toronto FC, Saturday 5 August 2017. DC (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)
Charging Rout Lions in the Hall of Fame game behind Strong Trey Lance -Performance in the Forson Opener
RFK Now!, An organization that called support for the commanders to get approval of the stadium expressed his happiness with the Council for his vote.
“We are pleased that the council listened to DC residents and performed a lot for our city,” said Malcom Fox, the CEO of Opportunity DC and organizer of RFK Now!, In a news message. “Just a few years ago it seemed to bring the commanders home impossible. With today’s vote, we were on our way to securing the biggest private investments in DC history. This is a huge victory that will create opportunity in Section 7 and throughout the district for decades to come.”
A wrench was thrown into the vote in July when Trump questioned commanders for refusing to return to their Redskins name.
“I may have a limitation on them that if they do not change the name back to the original ‘Washington Redskins’, and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, ‘Washington commanders,’ I will not make a deal for them to build a stadium in Washington.
Washington commanders tight ends set up during the exercise on the team’s NFL football training camp, Sunday 27 July 2025, in Ashburn, VA. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
On Thursday, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the name as he announced the restoration of the president’s fitness test.
“I don’t even know what the hell their last name is,” Trump said. “It’s commanders or something? Is it commanding? Commanders, it’s not a good name.”
Harris has maintained that the commander’s name is here to stay.
