Latest news with #MurielBowser
NBC Sports
3 hours ago
- Business
- NBC Sports
Adjusted D.C. stadium deal could be approved soon
The deal could soon be done. Apparently without anyone squeezing the Commanders to change their name. Via D.C. Council chairperson Phil Mendelson reached an agreement with the team to adjust the financial terms of the deal struck between the Commanders and Mayor Muriel Bowser. The revised agreement opens the door for D.C. Council to vote on the stadium proposal in 'a matter of days.' The vote is expected to happen after public hearings set for July 29 and 30. Bowser separately said she has no problem with the changes to the deal. Having a vote and having a successful vote are two different things. But implicit in the new reports is the notion that the changes to the deal are more likely to get it done. The goal is to get the stadium open by 2030. If the deal is approved by the end of the month, that timetable likely remains very realistic. Coincidentally or not, progress has been made in the aftermath of President Trump insisting that the team change its name, and then suggesting that he may refrain from helping the team get a deal done if it doesn't. Through it all, the Commanders have remained quiet. And while it appears a stadium deal may be finalized without the team being squeezed to change its name, it's safe to assume that the Commander-in-Chief will periodically rattle the R-word cage. If only to distract from the E-word.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Washington Commanders open 2025 season by ignoring Trump's threats
Don't be fooled by Trump using Washington Commanders name as a distraction | Opinion As the D.C. City Council waits to vote on the agreed-upon proposal between Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Commanders, Trump has threatened to put a "restriction" on the move. Congress formally gave the local D.C. government control of the land where RFK Stadium sits earlier this year. The team changed its name in 2020 because the former nickname was considered racist and offensive toward Native Americans before corporate sponsors threatened to pull funding; the NFL and former team owner Dan Syder, who once told USA TODAY the team would "NEVER" change its name, had no choice. Washington became the Commanders in 2022 after two seasons as the "Washington Football Team." Head coach Dan Quinn received backlash last year for wearing a shirt that referenced the former logo. Player alumni and fans are fond of the former name, but the current front office and players have embraced the "Commanders" moniker.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington Commanders new stadium: D.C. Mayor Bowser concerned about RFK deal
While the Washington Commanders hope to one day make the RFK Stadium site home again, it's the D.C. Council that is playing games on that famed plot of land. Nothing ever comes easy in politics, especially when the nation's capital is involved. The case involving the Commanders is no different as budget battles and political one-upmanship are on full display – setting up a fight between Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council, with the team caught in between. On July 1, the mayor appeared on The Team 980 with Kevin Sheehan, where she was asked about her feelings surrounding the deal, which has not yet been approved. "I'm concerned right now that everybody buckle down and get to work," Bowser said. "I'm not concerned about our deal. Our deal is solid. It pays off for D.C. And at the end of the day, I think everybody wants the same thing." Sheehan pushed Bowser to put her level of concern on a scale of zero to five, with five being the most concerned. "I would put my level of concern – because when you're a big city mayor you're concerned about everything – I'll put it at a four," Bowser said. The Commanders have been targeting a stadium opening date in 2030, allowing them enough time to host some big events in the future – notably games in the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup. Without approval soon, the team claims those plans will be put in danger, forcing the D.C. area to miss out on those marquee dates. As illustrated in the current deal that was announced on April 28, the city would provide $1.1 billion in public funds to help build the stadium on the old RFK site. The Commanders would contribute $2.7 billion in what figures to be a nearly $4 billion project. Washington's team leadership held a dinner on Monday night for councilmembers to discuss the situation, which needs seven votes to approve. According to the Washington Post, there are currently four councilmembers in favor of the deal. There is currently a July 15 deadline in place as outlined in the exclusive negotiating window. With public hearings set for July 29 and 30, it appears the council is in no rush to move the legislation forward. More importantly, the council is slated to go on recess from August until mid-September, meaning no deal on the intended date could put the project in danger of falling apart. Fox 5 Washington DC reported on July 1 that Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has heard talks of a potential Plan B from the Commanders, which could include going to President Donald Trump and members of Congress to make the deal happen in time. This comes on the heels of a decision by Mendelson to separate the stadium deal from the 2026 budget process. A Commanders spokesperson released a statement in response to the news on June 25: The Washington Commanders are committed to working with the Council around the clock to keep this project on schedule and deliver a world-class stadium for the District by 2030. This is about more than just a stadium: it's an investment in families, local workers, and long-term economic opportunity that will transform this community, District, and the region. Any substantive delays will jeopardize D.C.'s ability to attract premier concerts, global talent, and marquee events—including the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup. Most importantly, it will slow new jobs at a time when the District needs them the most. We are hopeful the Council will continue to work in an expedited way to approve this deal and deliver a significant win for the people of D.C. Mendelson has indicated there will be no vote while the council is on recess, which could delay the project's fate until September or later. "It would be incredibly extraordinary to call the Council back in August," Mendelson said, via NBC4 Washington. 'I can't think of one time in 50 years of home rule that we have called the Council back." He also would not commit to a vote in early September. "I'm not gonna budge from this, and that is that we are working well with the Commanders and as diligently as possible to try to get to a point where the Council can vote as quickly as possible," Mendelson continued. The Commanders franchise left the RFK Stadium site in 1996 for FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland – where they still currently play home games at what is now known as Northwest Stadium. While there is no indication that the Commanders would leave and relocate to another city like other NFL teams have done when faced with similar issues from local officials, there is always a chance they could opt for another site in the surrounding area. Maryland, where the Commanders currently play, and Virginia have shown interest in a new stadium for the team in the past. For now, the goal remains focused on making the return to RFK a reality. All the NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Commanders new stadium: Washington D.C. mayor concerned RFK site deal
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump threatens Washington Commanders' stadium plans if franchise doesn't change name
The Washington Commanders have had a busy offseason. They've traded for left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel to bolster one of the top offenses in the NFL from a year ago. On defense, they added decorated pass rusher Von Miller in free agency. There's been news off the field as well with the franchise announcing plans to build a new stadium in Washington D.C. The franchise hopes to build on the site of RFK Memorial Stadium where the team played from 1961 to 1996 and is two miles east of the U.S. Capitol building. Washington may be facing a challenge as well from the highest-ranking elected official in the country. President Trump posted on Truth Social that he may restrict the team from building on the old RFK Stadium site if it doesn't change its name. "I may put a restriction on them that if they don't change the name back to the original 'Washington (name),' and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, 'Washington Commanders,' I won't make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington," Trump posted. He continued: "The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone." He went on to state that the Cleveland Guardians should do the same and change the franchise name back to its former name. Washington also faces some question marks with getting that deal with Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser needing to get approval from the D.C. Council. "I would put my level of concern – because when you're a big city mayor you're concerned about everything – I'll put it at a four [out of five]," Bowser said earlier this month. Washington started out as the Boston Braves back in 1932 before changing its name in 1933. The franchise kept its now-former name when it relocated from Boston to Washington D.C. in 1937 and it remained for decades. WASHINGTON UNIFORMS: Commanders reveal alternate uniforms that nod to their Super Bowl glory In July 2020, the franchise dropped the name and logo. "We are announcing we will be retiring the (former) name and logo upon completion of this review," the team said in a statement at the time and that team officials were "working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years." The franchise went by the name Washington Football Team for the 2020 and 2021 NFL seasons before rebranding as the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2022 season. This isn't the first time Trump's voiced his dislike for the Commanders name. When asked about the stadium plans earlier in July, Trump said he wouldn't have changed the name in the first place. "It just doesn't have the same, it doesn't have the same ring to me," he said. 'But, you know, winning can make everything sound good. So if they win, all of a sudden the Commanders sounds good, but I wouldn't have changed the name.' A new stadium is one of the top priorities of the Commanders' new ownership group led by Josh Harris. That group finished a deal to buy the team in May 2023 and are hoping to finish construction by the 2030 NFL season. In the meantime, the team would continue to play its home games at Northwest Stadium – formerly known as FedEx Field – in Landover, Maryland. The team has not released a statement in response to Trump's comments at time of publishing. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump threatens Washington Commanders' stadium deal
Fox News
2 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Commanders general manager, DC mayor unfazed by Trump's comments on team name
NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The Washington Commanders' team name was back in the news recently after President Donald Trump posted on social media that he wanted the franchise's team name to be reverted to its former name, the Redskins. Trump then took a step further, threatening to halt the team's plans to build a new stadium in the nation's capital if they didn't bring back the old name. "My statement on the Washington Redskins has totally blown up, but only in a very positive way," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "I may put a restriction on them that if they don't change the name back to the original 'Washington Redskins,' and get rid of the ridiculous moniker, 'Washington Commanders,' I won't make a deal for them to build a Stadium in Washington. The Team would be much more valuable, and the Deal would be more exciting for everyone." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Trump also called the Commanders the "Washington 'Whatever's.'" D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser didn't sound concerned about Trump's latest post, saying she is "focused" on getting the stadium deal over its final hump, and that a blockage is likely not "an eventuality we have to plan for." "This is what I believe — I've had the opportunity to speak on a couple of different occasions with the president about this site and about our team," Bowser told ESPN. "And I can say this without equivocation: He is a Jayden Daniels fan, and he said himself, and the presser we were at, that this is probably the best site of any site he's seen for a stadium. I have to think that that's what I've heard him say, and that's what we'll stick with. "Let me be clear: We're on the 1-yard line, and it's time to get over the line," she added. "I can't even imagine having to start all over on this. There's nobody waiting in the wings with $2.7 billion. And so this stadium is a catalyst, and it will attract other investments. Any impediment to it getting done should be discouraged. When you're on the 1-yard line, you want to carry it over, right? That's all you want. No fumbles, no interceptions — let's just get it over the line. And that's what we're focused on." CAITLIN CLARK SHARES DETAILS OF TAYLOR SWIFT CONVERSATION AT CHIEFS' PLAYOFF GAME: 'THAT WAS REALLY FUN' Commanders general manager Adam Peters, too, is unfazed — even about the stadium deal — and is keeping his eyeballs on the product on the field, wherever they play. "Whether it's the stadium or anything else (non-football-related), those things don't really make it to us," Peters said. "We're just trying to focus on what's going on here and getting ready for the season." Trump added that the MLB's Cleveland Guardians should follow suit. "Cleveland should do the same with the Cleveland Indians. The Owner of the Cleveland Baseball Team, Matt Dolan, who is very political, has lost three Elections in a row because of that ridiculous name change," Trump said. "What he doesn't understand is that if he changed the name back to the Cleveland Indians, he might actually win an Election. Indians are being treated very unfairly. MAKE INDIANS GREAT AGAIN (MIGA)!" CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Both teams' front offices have said there are no plans to revert to their old names, or even change them again in any way. Fox News' Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
