There's a new commander in town.
NFL owners on Thursday unanimously approved the sale of the Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris, ending the reign of Daniel Snyder in the nation's capital. For the first time since 1999, someone other than Snyder will be signing the checks for Washington's football team.
But with a new owner comes new expectations and responsibilities. Fortunately for Harris, he should have a long honeymoon period to right the ship after the disaster Snyder left behind. After all, he's not Snyder, and that's enough for many.
MORE: Josh Harris, Magic Johnson front group behind Commanders sale
Though it feels like ancient history, it wasn't long ago that Washington was playing meaningful games at RFK Stadium and hoisting trophies. With just five playoff appearances during Snyder's tenure, Washington is more known for hoisting fans back into the stands at FedEx Field when faulty railings give out.
Point is, Harris has his work cut out for him. In a city built on approval ratings and influence, no one is better off than him at the moment.
As new generations flocked to teams like the neighboring Ravens, it's up to Harris to bring them — or future generations back to the burgundy and gold. But Harris doesn't only have to worry about the roster. He'll also need to fix the stadium situation, restore the franchise's reputation and potentially change the name?
MORE: Why Daniel Snyder is selling Commanders
Don't rule it out.
After only one year in existence, the command post might be abandoned in favor of a new name with less baggage.
Will the Washington Commanders change their name?
Magic Johnson, with a minority stake within Harris' ownership group, said the franchise is open to the possibility of a full-scale rebrand after the 2023 NFL season.
"Everything’s on the table, right? Especially after this year," Johnson said in an interview with NBC's 'Today' show. "We’ll see where we are with the name. …We’re going to spend this year understanding what we have in place. … The name of the team will come up eventually.”
ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. also reported the possibility of a name change following the sale.
"I think so, yes," Van Natta said. "I think there's a pretty good chance of that to erase any part of the Snyder legacy to have a complete do-over. I would not be surprised at all, Rich, to see a name change and a complete re-branding."
The franchise changed its name from Washington Football Team to Washington Commanders in February 2022, ending a process that began in 2020. It operated as Washington Football Team for two seasons, 2020 and 2021, after previously being the Washington Redskins, a name considered offensive to Native Americans. Snyder caved to outside presure to change that name after being adamant for years that he would never make a change
While another quick name change could be welcomed by for fans, there might be issues with NFL rules.
What is the NFL's jersey rule?
As outlined in 2002 Resolution G-3 under Article 19 of the NFL's constitution, a team cannot change its jerseys more than once every five years.
"Third, be it Further Resolved, that a Club may not change its regular home and away uniforms more than once every five NFL seasons, and may not change its third uniform design more than once every five NFL seasons, absent specific extenuating circumstances (e.g., Club ownership change or relocation) as determined by the Commissioner."
There is also a specific timeline associated with changing jerseys. Since the Commanders just unveiled their new threads in 2022, they'd have to wait until the 2027 season for a rebrand — which could make a name change unlikely.
MORE: How much did Daniel Snyder pay for the Commanders in 1999?
However, the league allows for "extenuating circumstances" that are determined by the commissioner. Relocation and ownership change — as outlined in 2002 Resolution G-3 — are considered extenuating.
Considering the stains Snyder left on the franchise and the league, it seems possible that commissioner Roger Goodell would grant Harris permission to make an early switch.
If a name change were to come to fruition, Washington fans better have their credit cards ready. All these rebrands are expensive.
