The team previously called the Washington Redskins is now the Washington Commanders. The rebranding was announced in July 2020 and finalized ahead of the 2022 season after a multiyear review prompted by stakeholder feedback and evolving social sensitivities. The change included updates to logos, uniforms, and digital properties, while the ownership, operational structure, and market presence remain consistent. Below is a detailed breakdown of the transition, supporting context, and current references.
Background and Context
The Washington Commanders originated as the Boston Braves in 1932, became the Boston Redskins, then moved to Washington in 1937 as the Washington Redskins. For decades, the name and associated imagery were widely used in media and by fans. Beginning in the late 20th century and accelerating in the 2010s, criticism grew around the term "Redskins" as derogatory toward Native peoples. In response, leagues, sponsors, and media outlets began phasing out the name, setting the stage for formal change.
Name Change Timeline
2020 Announcement
In July 2020, under league and sponsor pressure and amid national conversations on racial justice, the team announced it would retire the Redskins name and logo. The organization stated it would use a temporary placeholder—"Washington Football Team"—while seeking a permanent name.
2020–2021: Temporary Identity
From 2020 through part of the 2021 season, the team operated as the Washington Football Team, using a neutral logo that replaced the Native imagery. During this period, the franchise maintained its market position, remained under the same ownership, and continued its stadium operations.
2022: Permanent Name Reveal
In February 2022, the new brand was unveiled as the Washington Commanders, alongside updated logos, color schemes, and uniforms. The change marked the end of the temporary identity and established the team as the Commanders in all on-field, broadcast, and commercial contexts.
Key Implementation Details
The rebranding affected visual identity, merchandise, broadcast graphics, digital platforms, and licensing agreements. Legal trademarks associated with the former name and imagery were phased out or surrendered, while new trademarks for Commanders were filed and registered. Employment impacts were limited to roles tied specifically to the deprecated branding, with most personnel retained.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Previous Name | Washington Redskins | Historical Records |
| Temporary Name | Washington Football Team (2020–2021) | Official Announcements |
| Current Name | Washington Commanders | Team and League Sources |
| Name Change Announced | July 2020 (retirement); February 2022 (Commanders) | Press Releases |
| Ownership | Daniel Snyder, then sale to Josh Harris consortium (2023) | SEC Filings and Reports |
| Home Venue | FedExField (Landover, Maryland) | Team and Venue Records |
| League | National Football League (NFL) | League Rosters and Schedules |
Rationale and Drivers
The shift from Redskins to Commanders was driven by multiple factors. These include sustained advocacy calling the former name discriminatory, legal challenges, pressure from broadcast partners and sponsors, and broader societal discourse on racial representation. The organization also cited the need to align with modern brand standards and to broaden appeal in a competitive sports landscape.
Comparison: Before and After Rebranding
The table below summarizes notable contrasts between the prior identity and the new Commanders brand.
- Name and Symbolism: Redskins used Native imagery and terminology; Commanders uses a military-inspired theme with abstract logos.
- Brand Timeline: Redskins (1937–2020), Washington Football Team (2020–2021), Washington Commanders (2022 onward).
- Trademark Status: Former trademarks retired; new Commanders marks registered for protection.
- Operational Continuity: Same market, venue, and ownership through transition periods.
- Stakeholder Impact: Updates required for partners, licensees, media, and digital platforms.
Current Status and Usage
As of the 2025 season and beyond, the team is officially referred to as the Washington Commanders across all league, media, and commercial channels. The franchise continues to compete in the NFL with updated visual assets and a refreshed brand narrative. References to the prior name are now largely historical, though they may appear in archival content or retrospective coverage.
Legacy and Relevance
The rebranding reflects how sports franchises respond to cultural shifts, legal pressures, and stakeholder expectations. For audiences and partners, understanding the timeline and distinctions between the Redskins, Washington Football Team, and Commanders is important for accurate communication and archival clarity. The Commanders identity is positioned to represent the franchise moving forward while acknowledging the broader context of the transition.