The Cubs and Nationals are opposing the WNBA’s trademark application for “The W,” claiming its marks are similar to the iconic “W” logos associated with the two Major League Baseball franchises.
On March 26, 2025, the WNBA filed a trademark application for “The W” to use for sports apparel, including jerseys, shirts, and caps. In a joint opposition filed Aug. 10, the Cubs and Nationals say that the WNBA’s trademark could cause “confusion” for the general public.
The Nationals use a stylized “W” in their primary logo, while the Cubs have had their win flag, a blue “W” logo on a white backdrop, since the 1930s.
An MLB source told Front Office Sports that they have been in constant communication with the WNBA and NBA—which owns 42% of the women’s basketball league—to solve the dispute. The source said the two sides are working to establish “clear boundaries” to distinguish between their trademarks.
The source added MLB believes the issue will be resolved “amicably” and soon, but did not give an exact timeline. Representatives for the WNBA and NBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
