Washington Commanders Release Statements on Stadium Architect Selection Amid Ongoing Turmoil
Washington, D.C. – November 14, 2025** – In a pivotal announcement yesterday, the Washington Commanders—once known as the Redskins—unveiled HKS as the lead architect for their ambitious new domed stadium project in the nation’s capital. The move signals a bold step toward relocating from FedExField in Landover, Maryland, back to D.C. by 2030, reigniting debates over legacy, naming rights, and the team’s rocky 2025 season.
Commanders President Jason Wright released an official statement emphasizing the project’s significance: “Selecting HKS as the lead architect marks a major step forward in our journey to bring the Washington Commanders home to the District. This new venue will honor our storied history while creating a modern, fan-centric experience that captures the energy of D.C.” The statement, distributed via the team’s website and social media, highlighted HKS’s expertise in innovative designs, including retractable roofs and sustainable features tailored to the RFK Stadium site’s urban footprint.
HKS Global Ventures Director Mark A. Williams echoed the enthusiasm in a joint release: “We’re reimagining what home-field advantage means by channeling the rhythm and the roar that made RFK so special and carrying that spirit forward in a bold new way. The site, set within the monumental fabric of Washington, D.C., is one of the most extraordinary in professional sports, and we are honored to help write the next chapter in its history.” Williams’s comments underscore the firm’s commitment to blending architectural grandeur with fan immersion, drawing parallels to iconic venues like SoFi Stadium.
The announcement comes at a fraught time for the franchise. The Commanders, mired in a five-game losing streak with a 3-7 record, face the Miami Dolphins in an international showdown in Madrid this Sunday. Recent defeats, including a 44-22 thrashing by the Detroit Lions on November 9—attended by President Donald Trump—have amplified scrutiny. In that game, quarterback Marcus Mariota struggled without star Jayden Daniels, sidelined by injury, while defensive lapses allowed Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs to rush for 142 yards and three scores.
Adding to the chaos, the team disclosed multiple injuries and a suspension: Cornerback Trey Amos is out for the season with a fractured fibula, defensive end Daron Payne sits out one game for an undisclosed violation, and linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jamin Davis nurse shoulder ailments. “We are evaluating all options to bolster our roster and coaching staff,” Wright stated in a supplemental release today, addressing fan concerns over defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s effectiveness. “Our focus remains on immediate performance while building for the future.”
The stadium news also stirs controversy tied to the team’s rebranding from “Redskins” in 2020, a change prompted by decades of criticism over cultural insensitivity. Native American advocates hailed the shift, with the National Congress of American Indians declaring, “We thank the generations of tribal nations, leaders, and activists who worked for decades to make this day possible. We are not mascots.” Yet, whispers of reverting to the old name persist, especially after Trump’s reported interest in naming the new arena after himself—a suggestion White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt endorsed last week: “That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s office has remained mum on naming discussions, but sources indicate negotiations with potential sponsors are underway. The $3.5 billion project, funded partly by public-private partnerships, aims for LEED Gold certification and capacity for 65,000 fans, with renderings depicting a sleek, glass-domed structure overlooking the Anacostia River.
As the Commanders grapple with on-field woes—ranked 29th in total defense and 24th in scoring—the stadium vision offers a beacon of hope. “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about reclaiming our identity in the heart of D.C.,” Wright concluded. Fans, divided between optimism for the build and frustration over the slump, flood social media with reactions. One supporter tweeted, “New stadium? Great. But fix the D first! #HTTR.”
With the 2025 schedule releasing soon—featuring early divisional clashes—these statements mark a dual narrative: architectural promise amid athletic peril. For a franchise long synonymous with controversy, from name changes to ownership upheavals under Josh Harris, this could redefine its trajectory—or deepen the divide.
