LeBron James and Kevin Durant Mock Washington Redskins’ New Team Name

The Washington Redskins have found a 'genius' new nickname - and a host of sports stars are just as confused as the rest of us.

After finally ditching their 87-year-old logo and nickname following mounting pressure from the public, sponsors and even retailers, Washington owner Dan Snyder and head coach Ron Rivera have come up with an imaginative replacement: Washington Football Team.

It's understood the new nickname is only temporary because Washington officials 'need more time' to find a long-term one.

PA

And while the team is still looking for a replacement logo, their bland interim nickname has some of the biggest sports stars on the planet scratching their heads.

NBA legend LeBron James lead the chorus of confusion.

He tweeted: "Just waking back up from my pregame nap to see about The Washington Football team??? Is that real?? No way! Oh man they had a thorough intense long board meeting about that one huh."

The LA Laker big man then went back and fourth with Kevin Durant after the Brooklyn Nets ace chimed in.

And the hilarious reactions didn't stop there.

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant tweeted: "No disrespect to Washington football team but that's a soul crusher not to have a football name.

"Who you play for? The Washington football team.. naw that ain't it. For some reason that alone makes me feel it won't be a football season.. I'm sad seriously."

NFL analyst Ryan Clark, who played one season for Washington in 2014, was equally as unimpressed.

Clarke tweeted: "How hard must one think to come up with the 'Washington Football Team'?

"Though much better than the previous name it lacks a little Mascottian appeal...... Yep, made that word up."

While many were left a little bewildered by the underwhelming unveiling of the team's new nickname, Washington themselves explained the reasoning for their makeshift plan.

The team released a statement saying: "The decision to use 'Washington Football Team' for this season allows the franchise the ability to undertake an in-depth branding process to properly include player, alumni, fan, community, and sponsor input.

"To date, we have been pleased to see so many people putting forward their vision of what the new name and design should be on their social media channels and we look forward to including their feedback as this process progresses."

Topics: News, NBA, NFL, lebron james, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry