Terry McLaurin Absent from Commanders Camp Amid Contract Negotiations

The Washington Commanders are a storied National Football League (NFL) franchise based in Washington, D.C., competing in the National Football Conference (NFC) East division[2][3]. The organization’s core business is professional American football, operating as one of the league’s most valuable and historically significant teams, with a large fan base and extensive media presence[1][6]. ## History Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, the team relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1937 and became the Redskins—a name it retained for over 80 years before controversy over cultural sensitivity led to its retirement in 2020[1][2]. After two seasons as the Washington Football Team, the franchise rebranded as the Commanders in 2022, reflecting a modernized identity amid broader social changes[1][3]. In 2023, the team was acquired by new owner Josh Harris, signaling a new era in leadership and potential strategic direction[1]. ## Key Achievements The Commanders’ legacy includes two NFL championships (1937, 1942) and three Super Bowl victories (Super Bowl XVII in 1983, XXII in 1988, and XXVI in 1992)[2][4][5]. These triumphs, especially the dominant 1991 season culminating in Super Bowl XXVI, are celebrated highlights in franchise history[5]. The team has also won multiple division titles and boasts a roster of Hall of Fame players, including Sammy Baugh, John Riggins, and Darrell Green[2][4]. Notably, the Commanders were pioneers in sports media, launching the NFL’s first marching band (1937), first radio network (1944), and first fully televised season (1950)[6]. ## Current Status and Notable Aspects Despite past glories, the Commanders have faced challenges in recent decades, with limited playoff success since the late 1990s[

ESPN, originally the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is a dominant American sports media corporation headquartered in Bristol, Connecticut. Founded in 1979 by Bill Rasmussen, Scott Rasmussen, and Ed Eagan, ESPN pioneered the concept of a 24-hour all-sports cable network, quickly establishing itself as the "Worldwide Leader in Sports." Today, ESPN is owned 80% by The Walt Disney Company and 20% by Hearst Communications, operating as ESPN Inc. The organization broadcasts from its main studios in Bristol, with additional offices and studios across the U.S., and reaches audiences globally through 64 linear networks and digital platforms in 141 countries. ESPN’s rise was fueled by securing broadcast rights to major professional and collegiate sports, making it a household name. At its peak in 2011, ESPN reached over 100 million U.S. pay TV households, though that number has since declined to about 70 million as viewership shifts toward digital platforms. ESPN’s portfolio now includes seven U.S. cable networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network), ESPN on ABC, ESPN Radio, and a robust digital presence via ESPN.com, the ESPN App, and ESPN Fantasy Sports. A key achievement in recent years is the launch of ESPN+, its direct-to-consumer streaming service introduced in 2018, which has expanded to include thousands of live events and original programming. In August 2025, ESPN launched a new flagship direct-to-consumer product, offering two subscription tiers—ESPN Unlimited and ESPN Select—providing access to all ESPN networks and exclusive content. This move reflects ESPN’s strategic pivot to adapt to changing media consumption habits, including partnerships with entities like WWE for premium live events. Despite facing challenges such as rising broadcast costs and criticism over coverage biases, ESPN remains a major force in sports media,

The **New Orleans Saints** are a professional American football team based in New Orleans, Louisiana, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) South division. Founded in 1966 and beginning play in 1967 as an expansion franchise, the Saints struggled in their early decades, enduring 20 consecutive seasons without a winning record or playoff appearance[1][3]. Initially coached by Tom Fears, the team faced growing pains typical of expansion teams, finishing their inaugural season with a 3–11 record. Despite early struggles, the franchise gradually improved, achieving its first winning season and playoff berth in 1987[2][5]. Ownership changed hands in 1985 when Tom Benson purchased the team, bringing stability and a renewed vision for success[6]. The Saints’ fortunes transformed dramatically in the 21st century, highlighted by their greatest achievement: winning Super Bowl XLIV in the 2009 season against the favored Indianapolis Colts. This victory marked their first and only Super Bowl title and established them as a formidable NFL franchise. The team has also won multiple NFC South division championships in 2006, 2009, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020[1][7]. Home games have been played at the Caesars Superdome since 1975, a notable architectural and cultural landmark in New Orleans. The Saints’ history is also marked by iconic players and coaches such as Drew Brees, who significantly contributed to the team’s success in the 2000s and 2010s[3][7]. From a business and technology perspective, the Saints’ evolution reflects strategic leadership, fan engagement innovations, and leveraging the Superdome as a multipurpose venue that boosts local economy and technology integration in sports entertainment. Their turnaround from early struggles to a Super Bowl-winning franchise demonstrates resilience and effective organizational management within a competitive sports industry[1]