Redskins owner Daniel Snyder named to NFL’s new Stadium Committee

Just when talk about the possibility of a new stadium for the Washington Redskins has begun to percolate, team owner Daniel Snyder was named to the league’s Stadium Committee.

From a team press release about the appointment:

“The new Stadium Committee provides strategic direction to the league and clubs on all stadium matters, with a focus on ensuring that NFL games are presented in state-of-the art stadiums that enhance the fan experience, deliver community benefits and allow each club to be competitive economically. The Stadium Committee also works actively with the NFL and individual clubs to advance specific stadium development efforts.”

Last summer, Snyder suggested the Redskins may be looking for a new home when their lease on FedEx Field in Landover expires in 2027. That has prompted Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe, who will providing “welcome remarks” at the Redskins’ “Welcome home luncheon” next Wednesday, has been aggressive when speaking publicly about his desire for the new stadium to be in Virginia. The Redskins’ begin training camp in Richmond and are based in Ashburn. Should a stadium be built in Virginia, it would provide a stronghold for the state in its association with the organization.

There have also been discussions about the Redskins returning to play in the District. However, hurdles associated with the team’s nickname are just the start of what would be a laborious process for a D.C. return. Mayor Muriel Bowser has said in the past that she finds the team nickname offensive and that it would need to be changed in order for the organization to return. The mayor will also have to decide what to do with the land underneath RFK Stadium long before the Redskins’ lease in Landover is up. The old Redskins stadium will be empty once DC United moves to its new stadium in 2018.

Snyder’s addition to the Stadium Committee further entrenches his power in the league. Washington’s owner, who bought the team in 1999, is now part of six NFL committees: He currently serves as Co-Chairman of the league’s Digital Media Committee in addition to appointments on the Business Ventures, Hall of Fame, International and Media Committees.