by Evan Joseph ‘23

The news surrounding Washington’s NFL football team as of late can be described as anything but normal. The team introduced a new name (Commanders), recently traded for quarterback Carson Wentz, and owner Daniel Snyder is under investigation by the NFL for sexual misconduct. In addition, it looks as if the Commanders could have a new stadium in Virginia by 2027.

This news stems from newly elected Virginia Governor Glen Youngkin advocating for an NFL team to reside in Virginia, with his eyes set on the Washington Commanders. This possibility could have major implications on the future of the franchise, and the allegiance of its fans in the DC/Maryland area.

The Washington Commanders organization is looking to invest about $3 billion into a new stadium with development of the area around it in what Snyder has described as something like a “mini-city.” Snyder´s vision for the “mini-city” is what could lead the Commanders to move to Virginia, along with the support from Virginia officials.

Youngkin´s efforts to attract the Commanders to Virginia have led to pieces of legislature being passed in order to make this stadium a possibility. On February 14, Virginia’s Republican-controlled House of Delegates passed a bill granting authority and oversight on the finances and construction of the stadium that would also anchor a retail and entertainment complex. Essentially, the state has communicated its interest in being the ideal location for Snyder´s vision.

This advocacy from Youngkin tied to legislature leads to questions about whether the Commanders would become more associated with Virginia than Maryland/DC if this move is to happen. The Commanders would likely become more associated with Virginia because of its economic ties as a ¨mini-city¨ and its location being more convenient for Virginians than anyone else.

This uncertain future could lead to a large number of Commanders fans moving on to the neighboring Baltimore Ravens. Many would argue that loyalists to the team would stay fans, but is this really a guarantee when the original name of the team has been ditched, and the organization has constantly been under scrutiny for a lack of success paired with multiple investigations? Just last year, the team was fined $10 million for misconduct in the workplace, only adding too many fans’ hatred of Snyder. Overall, the team hasn’t given fans many reasons to be loyal, so if the team were to move out of state, there is nothing holding fans back from becoming fans of the more successful Ravens.