Didn't all of those changes accompany a move of the team to a new city?In terms of recent name changes in the sports that weren't related to Redskins/Indians type changes:
NBA - Hornets to Pelicans
MLB - Expos to Nationals
NHL - Whalers to Hurricanes
NHL - Nordiques to Avalanche
I think the name change can and will be made.
I think changing the name of this team again, without a move, would be unprecedented.