The Commanders are finally changing ownership. At this point, it's a matter of when.
Per Sportico, Dan Snyder has agreed to sell the franchise for $6 billion to a group led by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris, and including NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
EXCLUSIVE: Dan Snyder has reached an agreement in principle to sell the @Commanders for $6 billion to a group led by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Josh Harris
— Sportico (@Sportico) April 13, 2023
Harris’ group, includes billionaire Mitchell Rales and former NBA star @MagicJohnson pic.twitter.com/ZIWKqeqtmN
NFL insider Ian Rapoport said a deal hasn't been submitted and approved, but that "it is getting closer."
Josh Harris' group is, in fact, nearing a deal to buy the #Commanders for just under $6B, sources say. Nothing is final or has been sent to the league. The bid still must be submitted and approved. But it is getting closer. https://t.co/SXVRItAh0L
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 13, 2023
In 2020, Harris and business partner David Blitzer acquired a $140M stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers, which he will need to sell as part of the transaction to buy the Commanders.
He's also the owner of the NHL's New Jersey Devils. Johnson has ownership stakes in MLB's LA Dodgers, Los Angeles F.C. of the MLS and the WNBA's LA Sparks.
The sale can't come a moment too soon with Snyder in a class with Donald Sterling, Jerry Richardson and Robert Sarver (to name a few) as one of the worst owners in professional sports history. He's been the subject of multiple investigations and lawsuits, faced allegations of fraud and sexual harassment, and was fined $10M as he's overseen the downfall of a once-proud franchise.
Harris was part of a group that purchased the Sixers in 2011, coincidentally from Ed Snider. Two years into his run as owner, the organization underwent "The Process," where the organization was shameless in fielding horrible teams, a move which in hindsight worked pretty well.
Jeff Harris hired @dmorey to run the Philadelphia 76ers which could be a very positive sign for the future of the Washington Commanders.
— Aaron Schatz (@FO_ASchatz) April 13, 2023
Four dreadful seasons from 2013-14 through 2016-17 led to six consecutive playoff appearances and four 50-win seasons, including a 54-28 record this season, the best under Harris' ownership.
Washington is projected to be the worst team in football in 2023 per Mike Clay's recently released projections for the season and a similar teardown could be in order in DC.
We all know the franchise needs a fresh start.
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