Goodbye FedEx and Commanders Field, and hello Northwest Stadium!
The Commanders announced Tuesday that they have reached a multi-year exclusive naming rights agreement for their stadium with Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU), the first naming rights partnership for a credit union in NFL history. Per Ben Standig of The Athletic, it is an eight-year deal running through the 2031-32 season for current stadium only, but 'does not preclude the franchise from opening a new stadium earlier.'
"Northwest Federal Credit Union has been an integral part of this community for generations and we could not be prouder to partner with an organization as committed to the DMV as we are," Josh Harris said in a team statement announcing the agreement. "As we continue to work toward our goal of building the Commanders into an elite franchise that consistently competes for championships, we are excited to welcome our team and fans to Northwest Stadium and look forward to creating incredible memories together on the field and in the communities we serve."
"Northwest is thrilled to continue building on the great work we have achieved alongside the Commanders," said Northwest Federal Credit Union President & CEO Jeff Bentley. "With a combined history of nearly 170 years in the D.C. metro area, this expanded partnership was an amazing alignment of our values to enrich the local community. It is an honor to be able to welcome everyone to 'Northwest Stadium' and introduce the inspiring initiatives that this collaboration represents. Together, we look forward to ensuring that Northwest Stadium is an impactful place where we rally together over our common love of football, giving back to the community, and creating memorable experiences that last a lifetime."
Per the release:
The partnership includes exclusive Northwest branding across the stadium, including a new stadium logo featured on exterior and interior signage, as well as Northwest serving as the team's jersey patch partner for off-season and in-season practices. Additionally, the partnership will extend several new experiences and benefits to Commanders fans who are Northwest members, such as discounts on tickets and merchandise.
NWFCU had entered an initial agreement with the Commanders last year that includes partnering in Commanders charity events in conjunction with their own 501©(3) foundation, and now, full stadium branding rights have been secured in ‘in collaboration with Elevate to negotiate a community-driven, naming-rights partnership between the Washington Commanders and Northwest Federal Credit Union.’
The two entities will officially kick off the partnership with a press conference at what will now be known as Northwest Stadium before the Commanders’ home opener on Sept. 15.