International parcel courier firm FedEx has ended its naming rights sponsorship of FedEx Field, the home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
The stadium, now known as Commanders Field in the interim before a new sponsor is found, had been sponsored by FedEx since 1999 after the franchise’s then-owner Dan Snyder sold the naming rights to the stadium on a 27-year contract worth around $7.6 million per year.
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FedEx has now exited its deal to cover the stadium, set to expire in 2026, two years early, capitalizing on an opt-out clause it had been able to trigger following the enforced sale of the team by Snyder.
An ownership group led by billionaire Josh Harris took over the Commanders in July 2023 following the release of an independent investigation, which found workplace misconduct and financial improprieties took place under Snyder’s ownership, and corroborated allegations of sexual harassment against the previous owner.
Harris’ deal to buy the team also included the total purchase of Commanders field, but FedEx could not opt out of its naming rights deal until now due to the sale of the team in between seasons.
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FedEx will maintain a partnership with the Commanders outside of the naming rights deal for the stadium, one that is likely to have lasted longer in any case as the team’s agreement to stage NFL games with Prince George’s County, the area in which the stadium is situated, is due to expire in 2027.
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By GlobalDataThe expiration of that agreement has led to rumors that the Commanders could look to find a new stadium beyond 2027, which may benefit the team commercially as the current ground is considered among the league’s worst, however, it also creates an issue for the Commanders to find a new naming rights sponsor through 2027.
The new ownership has also pledged to invest in the current stadium’s facilities, indicating that an extension with Prince George’s County may still be reached.
On Tuesday (February 27), the day before the FedEx revelation, the Commanders revealed that it was increasing its investments into the stadium and fan experience to over $75 million to improve hospitality and seating options, food and drink provision, and an upgraded gameday sound system.
Outside of American football, the former FedEx Field is also a prolific venue across other sports, hosting soccer and rugby union matches in the past, and earlier in February it was announced as the venue for an upcoming soccer game between reigning world champions Argentina and Guatemala.
