Commanders Selling Merchandise For ‘Redskins’ Brand They Abandoned

Interesting national football league, washington commanders, washington redskins admin August 27, 2026 0 Comments

Commanders Selling Merchandise For ‘Redskins’ Brand They Abandoned — Here’s Why

If you’re a supporter of the Washington Commanders, or just an intrigued fan, you’re able to once again buy Redskins merchandise courtesy of Mitchell & Ness. The historic brand’s name and logo appear on limited throwbacks, with the gear being sold in the Northwest Stadium team shop and online.

Former Redskins stars, such as Sean Taylor, Darrell Green and Art Monk, are honored on the shirts. One t-shirt featuring Monk shows him in a Skins’ helmet, with the back reading, “Washington Redskins,” along with his stats. The shirt is available for $49.99.

The retired No. 21 replica jersey of Taylor is being sold for $114.99, and it features “Redskins” on the front with a 75th anniversary patch. The items are still listed by the team as Commanders products. (RELATED: At Least 25 Percent Of Dead NFL Players Diagnosed With CTE In Sample, Study Says)

According to WUSA9 reporter Erick Flack, who was the first to spot the merchandise, a spokesman for the team said that the gear being on sale provides protection to the trademarks.

“We are required to maintain the marks in commercial usage so that marks remain under franchise control,” said the spokesman.

Washington abandoned the Redskins name in 2020 and ultimately decided to change its name to the Commanders. According to owner Josh Harris, per TotalProSports, a number of fans felt disrespected by the legendary Skins’ brand, and the franchise says that it will not be making a return.

Ariel Givner, an IP attorney, explained the legal side of the decision to bring back the Redskins merchandise.

“Under US trademark law, if you stop using a mark in commerce for three straight years, it’s presumed abandoned,” wrote Givner.

The Commanders are meeting the minimal requirements to retain control of the marks. If there’s non-use for three years, it can result in a legal presumption of abandonment. Sales, even limited, prevent trademarks from going into the public domain.

Despite the Redskins never coming back, the Commanders are planning an alternate helmet that features a spear going through the W, which is being viewed by fans as another reference to the legendary brand.