ESPN insider believes there is a 'very good chance' the Washington Commanders change their name

Just one day after the NFL voters unanimously voted to approve a Washington Commanders sale, there’s talk the Washington franchise could change its name.

ESPN insider Don Van Natta Jr. hinted at that possibility on Friday on The Rich Eisen Show.

“I think so, yes. I think there’s a pretty good chance of that to erase any part of the (Dan) Snyder legacy, to have a complete do-over,” Van Natta said. “I would not be surprised at all, Rich, if we see a name change and a complete rebranding soon.”

The franchise was known as the Washington Redskins until 2020, when the organization changed its name while under pressure from local indigenous groups.

The first change was made in 2020, when the franchise began referring to itself as the Washington Football Team, changing its branding to include a ‘W’ on the helmet in the original Washington Redskins colors. The team would rebrand again shortly after.

In 2022, Washington announced a rebrand to the Washington Commanders, complete with new logos and uniforms featuring military motifs.

With the new ownership group set to take place, it certainly sounds like there could be another change in name the works for the Washington franchise. At least if Van Natta’s reporting is accurate.

A $6.05 billion sale of the franchise was voted on unanimously by the league’s owners on Thursday.

Ownership now shifts from Snyder and his family to an ownership group led by Josh Harris. This won’t be his first experience with a professional sports franchise, also having ownership stakes in the NBA‘s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement regarding the news on Thursday.

“Congratulations to Josh Harris and his impressive group of partners,” Goodell wrote. “Josh will be a great addition to the NFL. He has a remarkable record in business, sports, and in his communities. The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties and we welcome them to the NFL as well.

“I met Josh several years ago, prior to his acquisition of an interest in the Steelers and have been fortunate to get to know him better over the past few months. I know he has a commitment to winning on the field, but also to running an organization that everyone will be proud of — and to making positive contributions in the community.”