Washington’s NFL franchise is officially no longer called the Redskins after 90 years. However, we’ll have to wait a little longer to determine what the new name will be.
After rumblings that the team was putting its nickname under review, Washington officially announced that it was retiring the Redskins nickname and logo Monday. The statement comes 10 days after the team announced it would review its name. That review came on the heels of big-money corporate sponsors threatening to sever ties with the franchise if it did not change its name.
The franchise did not disclose the new name, stating that it is still in development.
“Dan Snyder and Coach Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years,” the team said in a statement.
Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that the franchise’s preferred target for a new name is tied up in a trademark battle,” leaving the team to announce the retirement of “Redskins” without a replacement.
On July 4, Rivera told The Washington Post that he and Snyder had come up with two possibilities for a new name, but did not disclose the finalists. The current betting favorite in Vegas for the new name is “Redtails.”
Pressure has mounted on Snyder and his organization in recent weeks from sponsors and businesses. The most notable move reportedly came from Fedex. According to The Washington Post, FedEx sent a letter to Snyder stating that the business would remove its name and signage from the stadium if the name was not changed.
Nike, the league’s official apparel provider, pulled Washington’s merchandise from its official NFL shop earlier this month.
Here’s the full statement from the team:
“On July 3rd, we announced the commencement of a thorough review of the team’s name. That review has begun in earnest. As part of this process, we want to keep our sponsors, fans and community apprised of our thinking as we go forward.
“Today, we are announcing we will be retiring the Redskins name and logo upon completion of this review.
“Dan Snyder and Coach Rivera are working closely to develop a new name and design approach that will enhance the standing of our proud, tradition rich franchise and inspire our sponsors, fans and community for the next 100 years.”
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