Cubs, Nationals in Trademark Fight with WNBA Over ‘The W’

The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals have jointly opposed the Women's National Basketball Association's (WNBA) trademark application for "The W." The sports teams argue that their respective logos, which feature stylized "W" symbols, are too similar to the WNBA's proposed trademark, potentially causing public confusion. The WNBA filed the trademark application on February 10, 2025, to use for sports apparel, including jerseys, shirts, and caps.

The Cubs and Nationals claim that their use of the "W" dates back to the 1930s and that the WNBA's trademark could dilute the distinctive nature of their trademarks. Major League Baseball (MLB), which owns 42% of the WNBA, is working with the NBA to establish clear boundaries and resolve the dispute amicably. A trademark lawyer suggests that the WNBA's use of "The" before "W" in their trademark creates a unique commercial impression, making it less likely for consumers to confuse the two marks.

However, the MLB teams might be concerned about restricting the WNBA's use of the trademark solely for women's basketball apparel. The WNBA filed a separate trademark for "The W" on August 16, 2024, but it was not opposed by the baseball teams, as it was intended for use in basketball-related entertainment and educational services.