Washington Commanders face backlash after reboot of Bud Light partnership

While beer brand Bud Light continues to face boycotts for partnering with controversial TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, the Washington Commanders football team, formerly known as the Redskins, renewed its partnership to officially be a beer sponsor for the team, causing backlash from fans. 

In a press release announcing the multi-year deal, President of the Washington Commanders Jason Wright said, "We are thrilled to partner with Anheuser-Busch again to create a new and improved experience for Commanders fans."

"Bringing Anheuser-Busch back to FedExField as a partner not only reflects their confidence in our organization but also their commitment to our fans, who are the most loyal in NFL," he continued. "More importantly, we are pleased to have a partner who shares our commitment to giving back and to supporting our military, as we continue to expand engagement programs locally for first responders and families of fallen soldiers."

In a post on X, the Commanders showed a video of players and fans enjoying a game with a caption that read, "Reunited with @budlight? Now that is easy to celebrate." 

A man named Eunice Davison, who serves as president of the Native American Guardians Association, was one of many who criticized the move. He said in a statement, "Given the fact the Woke, Cancel Culture Commanders are so hell-bent on trying to erase history and discriminate against Native Americans, it makes sense they have just given the middle finger to all Americans with the announcement of Bud Light as their official partner."

Davison has also tried to get the team to re-adopt the "Redskins" name.

"The Woke, Cancel-Culture loving Commanders have no intention of respecting America and instead are pushing their own DEI agenda against their own consumers' outrage shown in the #ReclaimTheRedskins petition," added Davison.

One X user said, "This has got to be the worst marketing move ever!" The user continued, "Here, I thought this new ownership was going to do things differently. Nope, right back to the same backward thinking!"

"The Redskins actually found a brand in more trouble than they are to repartner with…" another user said. "1 year ago you would never think Bud Light would have to grovel to the Skins, but that had to be what actually happened. Good, for the team to get what had to be a sweetheart deal I guess. Just don’t think it will work for either."

Bud Light's parent company ABInbev announced in its second-quarter earnings statement earlier this month that boycotts have cost about $390 million since last year, $40 billion in market share and its crown as America's most popular beer since it made a can with Mulvaney's face on it.