The Washington Commanders have taken a significant step toward building their new stadium in the District of Columbia, with the team announcing that HKS, Inc. will serve as the lead designer of the $3.8 billion project.
Donald Trump was in attendance for Commanders-Lions(Image: Getty)
The Washington Commanders accelerated their stadium plans this week, advancing closer to replacing RFK Stadium with a cutting-edge domed venue in Washington, D. C., while managing a naming-rights dispute involving President Donald Trump.
The Commanders, whose recent game featured an anthem performer who drew criticism for wardrobe selections, revealed that international architecture company HKS, Inc. will lead the design of the new $3.8 billion stadium, a venue projected to accommodate roughly 65,000 spectators and debut during the 2030 NFL season.
This represents a significant achievement in the franchise’s ongoing quest to return to the District following years of playing in Maryland.
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“Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District,” said team president Mark Clouse in a statement. “HKS has a proven track record of delivering world-class stadiums that balance design, functionality and community impact.”
The initiative, greenlit by the D. C. Council in September 2025, will occupy the former RFK Stadium location beside the Anacostia River, where the Commanders plan to develop a comprehensive district featuring residential units, shopping centers, hospitality facilities and parkland surrounding the new stadium.
The District is projected to provide approximately $1 billion in infrastructure assistance, while the team will shoulder the majority of expenses. However, while the design and funding seem secured, the naming rights issue remains unresolved and has generated significant debate.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that Trump is pursuing having the stadium bear his name, describing it as a tribute rather than a traditional naming-rights deal. He allegedly made this request through representatives, pointing to his contribution in moving the project forward.
Demolition continues on RFK Memorial Stadium(Image: Getty)
The White House also commented, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declaring, “That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
Nevertheless, team insiders indicate that official discussions regarding naming haven’t begun yet, ESPN reports. The Commanders hold the naming rights according to their contract, but since the location involves federal property overseen by the National Park Service and leased by the District, neither the franchise nor Trump can independently determine the name.
Regarding design, the Commanders state the facility will capture the closeness of traditional D. C.
football while providing a contemporary, versatile venue capable of accommodating concerts, international competitions and possibly a Super Bowl.
“We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means,” declared HKS global venues director Mark A. Williams.
“We’ll carry that spirit forward in a bold new way.”