In a landmark deal, NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris, including Magic Johnson, for a record $6.05 billion. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a North American professional sports team.
Snyder, who had owned the team since 1999, faced numerous challenges during his tenure, both on and off the field. With the team under his ownership, the Commanders made the playoffs only six times in 24 years and lost significant luster from its glory days under coach Joe Gibbs.
The tide began to turn last year when there were discussions about potentially removing Snyder as the team’s owner. Subsequently, Snyder and his wife explored the sale of part or all of the franchise, leading to the purchase by Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, a group chaired by Harris, who also co-owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
The new ownership group faces several challenges, with the most significant being the construction of a new stadium to replace the aging FedEx Field. They will also focus on improving fan engagement, as the team’s attendance has been low in recent years.
During the special league meeting, the owners also received an update from former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White on her investigation into the Commanders, which was launched 1½ years ago due to workplace misconduct allegations and potential business improprieties by Snyder.
The Commanders’ sale represents a major turning point for the franchise, and the fans eagerly await the team’s future under the new ownership group.