The NFL has officially ushered in a new era for the Washington Commanders, with team owners unanimously approving the sale of the franchise to a group spearheaded by Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. This landmark decision concludes Dan Snyder's 20+ year tenure as team owner.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell welcomed Harris to the league, praising his business acumen, diverse ownership group, and commitment to both on-field success and community impact. Goodell highlighted Harris's prior connection with the NFL through his interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Commanders towards a brighter future.
The sale, valued at a record-breaking $6.05 billion, marks the highest price ever paid for a North American professional sports team. The deal, initially agreed upon in April and formally announced in May, received positive feedback from both the Snyder family and the incoming ownership group. Dan and Tanya Snyder expressed their excitement for the team's future under Harris's leadership, while Harris emphasized his commitment to building a championship-caliber team for Washington and its dedicated fans.
Harris's ownership group includes prominent figures such as NBA legend Magic Johnson, investor David Blitzer, and billionaire Mitchell Rales. This transition is widely seen as a positive step following allegations of a toxic work environment within the Commanders organization that surfaced in August 2020. These allegations led to multiple investigations by the NFL and Congress, resulting in a $10 million fine for the organization and Snyder's removal from day-to-day operations.
Snyder initially purchased the Commanders in 1999 for $750 million. Facing mounting pressure, the Snyders bought out minority owners in 2021 and explored a potential sale in November of that year. The final sale price significantly surpasses the previous record of $4.55 billion paid for the Denver Broncos in 2022.
