Washington Commanders Announce New Stadium Name: Northwest Stadium

ASHBURN, Va. – The Washington Commanders have officially announced a new name for their home field, securing an eight-year naming rights deal with Northwest Federal Credit Union. The stadium, which had been known as FedEx Field since 1999, will now be called Northwest Stadium, marking the end of a 24-year partnership with FedEx.

The change comes after FedEx opted to terminate its naming rights agreement two years early, citing a clause that allowed them to exit the deal following the recent ownership change. The new agreement with Northwest Federal Credit Union will run through the 2031 season, although the financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. However, sources suggest that the value exceeds the approximately $7.5 million per year that FedEx was paying under the previous agreement.

Washington's search for a new stadium is ongoing, with team officials targeting 2030 as the potential opening date. The current naming rights deal with Northwest does not extend to a future stadium, leaving open the possibility for a new partnership when the team relocates. The Commanders are currently exploring possible locations for their new stadium in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

The first home game at the newly named Northwest Stadium is set for September 15, when the Commanders take on the New York Giants. The renaming is part of broader efforts by the team's new ownership, led by Josh Harris, to revitalize the franchise and improve the fan experience. Since acquiring the team from Dan Snyder a year ago, Harris and his ownership group have invested approximately $75 million in upgrades to the stadium. These improvements include enhanced food services and upgraded security entry points designed to expedite fan access, addressing longstanding complaints about the venue, which opened in 1997 and has consistently ranked among the NFL's worst in terms of fan experience.

"As we continue to work toward our goal of building the Commanders into an elite franchise that consistently competes for championships, we are excited to welcome our team and fans to Northwest Stadium and look forward to creating incredible memories together on the field and in the communities we serve," Harris said in a statement.

Northwest Federal Credit Union president & CEO Jeff Bentley also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "We look forward to ensuring that Northwest Stadium is an impactful place where we rally together over our common love of football, giving back to the community, and creating memorable experiences that last a lifetime."

The Commanders' rebranding efforts and stadium improvements are seen as key steps in revitalizing the franchise's image and solidifying its place in the Washington metropolitan area.