Get ready for a new era in Washington! The NFL owners have given their unanimous approval for the sale of the Commanders from the Dan Snyder family to a group led by Josh Harris, and it’s a record-breaking deal worth $6.05 billion. Snyder has been the majority owner of the Commanders since 1999 when he bought in for $800 million. Two years ago, he bought out his limited partners and became the sole owner.
But that’s not all the news coming out of the NFL today. The league has also announced that Snyder will be fined a whopping $60 million following a lengthy investigation into workplace misconduct. This investigation was sparked by a congressional review and even led to a referral to the Federal Trade Commission for potential business improprieties by Snyder.
In a statement, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell congratulated Josh Harris and his impressive group of partners on their acquisition. Goodell believes that Harris will be a great addition to the NFL, citing his remarkable record in business, sports, and his communities. The diverse group that Harris has assembled is outstanding for their business acumen and strong ties to Washington, and they are warmly welcomed into the NFL.
Snyder’s tenure as owner of the Commanders has been marred by a losing record and numerous off-the-field scandals, including sexual harassment allegations and his refusal to change the team’s former nickname, “Redskins,” which was offensive to Native Americans. It’s clear that a change in leadership was needed.
Harris’ group includes NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales, among others. They have undergone thorough vetting for financial and security reasons, as required by the NFL. Johnson expressed his excitement on Twitter, calling this achievement the biggest in his business career and a historic moment for the entire Black community. He believes that the Commanders franchise is the right organization for him, given its global appeal, winning history, and diverse fanbase.
It’s worth noting that Harris is no stranger to sports ownership. He already owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils, along with a partner. He is also a general partner of Crystal Palace F.C. in the English Premier League and a minority shareholder in Joe Gibbs Racing.
With his extensive experience and impressive track record, Harris is poised to make a positive impact both on and off the field. The Commanders franchise is in good hands, and the future looks bright for Washington football.
