After acquiring the Washington Commanders franchise from Dan Snyder in 2023, the Josh Harris ownership group sparked speculation about a potential name change. However, it seems that the team will retain its name. The “Commanders” label was introduced in 2022 following the decision to drop the former “Redskins” nickname in 2020, during which Washington temporarily went by the “Washington Football Team.”
Despite the “Commanders” name not being particularly popular among fans, the new ownership’s commitment to it was uncertain—until this week. In a recent interview, Josh Harris stated definitively that the team will continue to be known as the Washington Commanders. “Yes. I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. We’re going with that,” Harris said according to Pro Football Talk.
Despite fans advocating for a return to the “Washington Redskins” nickname, former team President Jason Wright clarified in 2023 that the old name was not an option. “It is not being considered,” Wright stated on the radio station 106.7 The Fan. “Period.” This recent announcement from Harris reaffirms that the Commanders name will remain in place, dispelling any hopes of reverting to the previous moniker.
