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Published on February 29, 2024
FedEx Retreats Early from D.C. Commanders Stadium Deal, Paving Way for New Naming Rights PartnerSource: Google Street View

It's the end of an era for the Washington Commanders as FedEx has decided to bail on its naming rights agreement for the team's stadium in Landover, Maryland. Known as FedEx Field since the late '90s, the package delivery giant is stepping back from its deal a full two years before the expected end date. This turn of event leaves the NFL franchise on the hunt for a new partner to christen the venue with its marquee.

"We continuously review our marketing programs to ensure our investments are aligned with our evolving business objectives," FedEx said in a statement emailed to The Associated Press. The Commanders, not having time to waste, have temporarily dubbed their playing grounds 'Commanders Field' as the search for a fresh naming rights sponsorship begins.

Since Snyder's acquisition of the team in 1999, FedEx has had its name plastered over the stadium. FedEx's founder Fred Smith himself was a minority owner until 2021, when Snyder bought out Smith's and other minority owners' shares. The landscape is shifting for the NFL team, with not only a name change for the stadium but also potential relocation plans on the horizon. As reported by SportsProMedia, the Commanders could be considering venues in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC for a new stadium, although no move is expected before 2030.

Reflecting on the current shakeup, the Commanders remain in their traditional home for the immediate future. The team relayed to WTOP that their stay at the present stadium, now called Commanders Field, is assured while they scope out the possibilities for a new, state-of-the-art facility to carry them into the next decade and beyond. FedEx's early departure is a notable juncture in the team's history, pushing them towards future endeavors both in terms of branding and logistics.