What Happened to Washington Commanders?
The Washington Football Team, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, underwent a significant transformation, temporarily adopting the 'Washington Football Team' moniker in 2020 before officially rebranding as the Washington Commanders in 2022. This period also saw a change in ownership, with Dan Snyder selling the franchise to a group led by Josh Harris for a record $6.05 billion in 2023, ushering in a new era for the team that includes plans for a new stadium in Washington D.C. by 2030.
Quick Answer
The Washington Football Team is now officially known as the Washington Commanders, a name adopted in February 2022 after two seasons operating under the temporary 'Washington Football Team' designation. The franchise also experienced a major ownership change in July 2023, when Dan Snyder sold the team for a record $6.05 billion to a group led by Josh Harris, which includes NBA legend Magic Johnson. As of September 2026, the Commanders are actively progressing with plans for a new, state-of-the-art stadium at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington D.C., with construction expected to begin in spring 2027 and open by 2030.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Retirement of 'Redskins' Name
Amidst growing pressure and a national focus on racial justice, the team announced it would retire its 'Redskins' name and logo after 87 years.
Temporary Rebranding as 'Washington Football Team'
The franchise announced it would temporarily be known as the 'Washington Football Team' while a permanent new name was developed.
NFL Fines Team $10 Million for Workplace Misconduct
Following an independent investigation into allegations of a toxic workplace culture, the NFL fined the team $10 million, and owner Dan Snyder temporarily ceded day-to-day operations to his wife, Tanya Snyder.
Official Rebranding as 'Washington Commanders'
After an 18-month rebranding process, the team officially unveiled its new name, the Washington Commanders, along with new logos and uniforms.
Dan Snyder Explores Sale of Team
Amid ongoing investigations and mounting pressure, Dan Snyder hired Bank of America Securities to explore a potential sale of the franchise.
Agreement in Principle for Record Sale
A group led by Josh Harris, including Magic Johnson, reached an agreement in principle to purchase the Commanders from Dan Snyder for an NFL-record $6.05 billion.
Sale to Josh Harris Group Finalized
The $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris's investment group was officially closed, ending Dan Snyder's 24-year ownership.
Plans Announced for New DC Stadium at RFK Site
The Washington Commanders announced plans to build a new stadium at the former RFK Stadium site in Washington D.C., signaling a return to the city.
DC City Council Approves Stadium Plan
The D.C. City Council approved the plans for the new Commanders stadium at the RFK site, moving the project forward.
Construction Partners Selected for New Stadium
The Commanders announced that SmootDC, Clark Construction Group, and Mortenson would form a joint venture (Clark | Mortenson | SmootDC) to lead the construction of the new $3.8 billion stadium.
Roster Moves and Practice Squad Signings
Following NFL roster cut-down day, the Commanders made several roster moves, including placing players on injured reserve and signing 12 players to their practice squad for the upcoming 2026 season.
Partnership with Elevate for Stadium Project
The Washington Commanders announced a multi-year partnership with international commercial agency Elevate to support the new stadium project, focusing on premium seating and hospitality sales and strategy.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The franchise's journey from the Washington Redskins to the Washington Football Team and ultimately the Washington Commanders was a direct response to decades of mounting criticism regarding its original name, which was widely considered offensive to Native Americans. The initial name change to 'Washington Football Team' occurred in July 2020 amidst a national reckoning over racial injustice and significant pressure from corporate sponsors. This temporary name allowed the organization to conduct a thorough rebranding process, culminating in the unveiling of 'Washington Commanders' in February 2022.
Beyond the name change, the team's ownership under Dan Snyder was plagued by numerous controversies. Investigations by the NFL and the U.S. House Oversight Committee revealed allegations of a toxic workplace culture, sexual harassment, and financial improprieties. These scandals led to a $10 million fine from the NFL in 2021 and intensified calls for Snyder to sell the team. Snyder, who had owned the team since 1999, initially resisted but eventually hired Bank of America Securities in November 2022 to explore a potential sale.
A pivotal turning point came in April 2023 when a group led by billionaire Josh Harris, co-founder of Apollo Global Management, reached an agreement to purchase the Commanders for a record $6.05 billion. This deal, which included NBA Hall-of-Famer Earvin 'Magic' Johnson and Mitchell Rales, was unanimously approved by NFL owners in July 2023 and officially closed on July 21, 2023, marking the end of Snyder's tumultuous 24-year tenure. The new ownership group pledged to revitalize the franchise both on and off the field, focusing on fan experience and community engagement.
As of September 2026, the Washington Commanders are actively pursuing a return to Washington D.C. with plans for a new stadium. In April 2025, the team announced plans to build a new stadium at the former RFK Stadium site, with the D.C. City Council approving the plan in September 2025. Groundbreaking for the approximately $3.7 billion to $3.8 billion, 65,000-seat enclosed stadium is expected to begin in spring 2027, with a target opening in Fall 2030. The project, which includes a broader 180-acre mixed-use campus, will be a significant development for the city. The team also announced a partnership with Elevate in September 2026 to support the new stadium project, focusing on premium seating and hospitality sales.
On the field, the Commanders are looking to improve upon their 5-12 record from the 2025 season and make the playoffs after a one-year absence. The 2026 season has seen roster adjustments, including practice squad signings and the addition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs, who has impressed head coach Dan Quinn. The new ownership and the prospect of a new home stadium represent a significant shift for the franchise, aiming to restore its storied legacy and reconnect with its fanbase in the nation's capital.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Washington Commanders made different choices?