The Washington Football Team will take the field next season as the The Washington Commanders, ending an 18-month name search.
The team made the announcement on Wednesday, saying in a statement on the team’s website that the new name “embodies the most powerful aspects of Washington's story by paying tribute to the team's rich history and championship culture, personified by mission-driven players who take command, forge success and break barriers on and off the field.”
The Commanders name is the result of a collaborative process with fans, alumni, players, community leaders and stakeholders across the D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area. The team contends that the name “brings to life the commitment to service and leadership that defines the DMV community.”
"As an organization, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation's capital," said co-owner and co-CEO Dan Snyder. "As we kick-off our 90th season, it is important for our organization and fans to pay tribute to our past traditions, history, legacy and the greats that came before us. We continue to honor and represent the Burgundy & Gold while forging a pathway to a new era in Washington. Today may mark the first day for the Washington Commanders, but we are and always will be Washington."
The team has also revealed new brand elements, including its primary logo, its word mark and a team crest. The primary logo of the Washington Commanders is a "W."
"Through more than 40,000 fan submissions and countless surveys, focus groups and meetings, this 18-month rebrand process has been a collaborative effort with our fans, alumni, players and local DMV community, all leading to today as we embark on a new chapter in our legacy as the Washington Commanders," said co-owner and co-CEO Tanya Snyder. "Going into our 90th year, we are excited to celebrate the rich history of the Burgundy & Gold while also paving the way for new traditions as the Washington Commanders."
Fans will immediately be able to purchase select new merchandise at the Team Store at FedExField and anywhere official fan merchandise is sold online, including the online team store. New merchandise will include t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweatshirts for men, women and children, and hats. Also beginning today, fans will be able to preorder the primary burgundy Washington Commanders jersey anywhere official fan merchandise is sold online. The jersey will begin shipping in May.
