The saga of what remains a hypothetical Commanders sale has taken another noteworthy turn. Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos‘ name has once again come up in the discussion of the ongoing sales process.
Bezos has hired investment firm Allen & Company to “evaluate a possible bid” for the Commanders, as detailed by Mark Maske, Nicki Jhabvala and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post. That firm, based in New York, is the one which was involved in the two most recent NFL franchise sales (the Panthers in 2018 and the Broncos in 2022). Bezos hiring them represents a firm commitment to at least explore the possibility of buying the Washington team, something which he had previously only been speculatively connected to.
Bezos was first mentioned as a likely bidder in November, something which immediately made him a name to watch in any sales process. His edge over other bidders in terms of overall spending power has led to the belief that he would be the favorite in the event embattled owner Dan Snyder went ahead with a sale of the team. The situation could become similar to that in Denver last offseason, when the Rob Walton-led group was seen as the one to beat long before their historic bid was accepted and ratified.
On the other hand, tension between Snyder and Bezos (who owns the Post, the outlet most vocal in critiquing the former amidst his various investigations and scandals) was thought to be a reason why Bezos might not be a legitimate bidder. That sentiment grew when the world’s reported fourth-richest man did not take part in the first formal process related to a potential sale.
More recently, a small number of prospective buyers toured the Commanders’ facility. The one which has been identified to date is Josh Harris, who has an ownership stake in a number of pro sports franchises and was a bidder for the Broncos last year. Bezos was not reported to be among the two finalists remaining in terms of serious contenders for the first formal bidding process, which is expected to take place soon. A relatively late arrival would not come as much of a surprise, given the ability Bezos would have to match or exceed Harris’ or any other potential bidders’ best offers (currently believed to be in the $6B range).
More developments on this front are expected soon, from a more firm commitment from Snyder one way or another with respect to selling the franchise, to a frontrunner emerging to succeed him. This latest step by Bezos puts him squarely on the radar in terms of potential buyers.
More must-reads: