Source: The Washington Post / Getty / Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders fans can finally celebrate. The Dan Snyder nightmare is over.
Spotted on The New York Times, the NFL has approved the $6 billion sale of the Washington Commanders to a group led by Josh Harrison, a private equity billionaire. That group also includes real estate mogul Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson, who is already part of other ownership groups for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles Football Club.
Harrison will pay the Commanders’ now former scandal-plagued owner Dan Snyder, $6.05 billion, which is now the richest sale of any American sports team, surpassing the $4.65 billion sale of the Denver Broncos, to a group led by the Walmart heir Rob Walton. The sale should be finalized by Friday.
The $6.05 billion sale is a significant come-up for Snyder, who bought the team for $800 million in 1999.
“Josh will be a great addition to the NFL., “Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement announcing the vote, adding, “I know he has a commitment to winning on the field, but also to running an organization that everyone will be proud of — and to making positive contributions in the community.”
“This franchise is part of who I am and who I am a person,” Harrison said, revealing he grew up rooting for the franchise. “A new era of Washington football is here.”
It’s all about YOU pic.twitter.com/w7WULp15x7
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 21, 2023
In an interview with The Today Show’s Craig Melvin, Johnson got emotional while speaking about being an African American in an NFL owner’s box, which is still sadly rare in a league featuring predominately Black players.
“I’m going to excel not only for myself and my family but for all African Americans, making sure we can see ourselves in these seats,” Johnson said while getting emotional.
“I’m going to excel not only for myself and my family, but for all African Americans, making sure we can see ourselves in these seats.” @MagicJohnson opens up to @CraigMelvin about being in the owner’s box of the Washington Commanders. pic.twitter.com/y8M23EueAu
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) July 21, 2023
Washington Commanders Fans Are Lighting Up The Dan Snyder Pack
As expected, the fans of the Washington Commanders were happy to see Snyder go. The once-prestigious organization has not sniffed a Super Bowl title since the 80s and 90s, and under Snyder’s tumultuous 24-year run as owner, saw the postseason six times and only won two playoff games.
With new ownership, fans hope to get a brand-new stadium and a return to glory.
Washington Commanders fans right now pic.twitter.com/DWrJXH0xiy
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 20, 2023
You can see more reactions to the Washington Commanders finally being sold in the gallery below.
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Photo: The Washington Post / Getty
1. They hyped
It’s the beginning of a new era.
But the goal remains the same. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/Fxj8WtaR7c
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 21, 2023
2.
The future is bright. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/T7sIxyCItb
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 21, 2023
3.
Here are your new owners of the Washington Commanders pic.twitter.com/OcJc2QTxfj
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) July 21, 2023
4.
These two know a thing or two about winning. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/uJLEtb8147
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 21, 2023
5.
With the Washington Commanders sale, Magic Johnson is now involved in ownership groups across four different leagues:
MLB
MLS
WNBA
NFL pic.twitter.com/JVltPPefUo
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) July 21, 2023
7.
Washington Commanders Fans are showing up early for a Pep Rally at Fed-Ex Field. Fans tell me they’re excited about the new chapter and wanted to come out to celebrate their favorite team. @nbcwashington pic.twitter.com/TTzwm2fZBX
— Dominique Moody (@dmoodytv) July 21, 2023
8.
Safe to say a lot of people are excited about the Washington Commanders ownership change.
The line is snaked around FedEx Field to get in the training camp pep rally. pic.twitter.com/N1G1OW3aB5
— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) July 21, 2023
9.
Dan Snyder selling the Washington Commanders, as told by Lord of the Rings pic.twitter.com/gcNDdOjo9G
— Danny Heifetz (@Danny_Heifetz) July 21, 2023
10.
Sale of the Washington Commanders is complete and it’s a great day on social media pic.twitter.com/GuGHFnA8Ay
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth) July 20, 2023
11.
PFT FaceTiming new Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris pic.twitter.com/X2Py2ictOd
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) July 20, 2023
12.
Man, what a day for Washington Commanders fans. Today is as much about the sell of the team as it is about who is taking over. The Josh Harris Group is the real deal. Look at their track record with building consistent winning organizations. The group consist of DC made business… pic.twitter.com/Wn6IrhVWbE
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 20, 2023
13.
The moment we found out the NFL has OFFICIALLY approved Josh Harris as the new owner of the Washington Commanders! pic.twitter.com/VxU55zRTJW
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) July 20, 2023
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