Report: Cleveland Indians to change team name

The Cleveland Indians are expected to change their team name, according to David Waldstein and Michael S. Schmidt of The New York Times.

The name has long been criticized as being offensive toward Native Americans, and the decision comes after the Washington Football Team of the NFL changed its name earlier this year.

Cleveland's official announcement regarding the change could come this week, sources told Waldstein and Schmidt.

The franchise already stopped using the "Chief Wahoo" logo prior to the 2019 season due to its racist iconography.

It's still unknown what form the club's name and uniforms will take in the 2021 season. However, the franchise is reportedly considering temporarily going forward without a name much like the Washington Football Team.

The club announced in July it was open to the idea of changing its name and would conduct a review under consultation with the Native American community. Star shortstop Francisco Lindor and manager Terry Francona both spoke out in support of changing the name.

Cleveland has used the controversial name since 1915. Prior to then, it was known as the Cleveland Naps - in honor of player Nap Lajoie - from 1903 to 1914.