“People who defended the Eskimos’ name only a year ago are less comfortable with it now,” board chair Janice Agrios said at a news conference.

“Institutions are being renamed around the world. The change to our name is part of a sweeping societal change.”

The team’s current name Eskimos has been criticized as insensitive or even racist and Agrios said the team’s most recent opinion research showed that views about the name are shifting quickly.

“No one event sparked the decision. We’ve had open conversations with partners, community, and fans about this issue for several years now. We’re proud of the engagement that we’ve done.”