Dan Snyder strikes deal with group led by 76ers and Devils co-owner Josh Harris on buying the $6 billion Washington Commanders’…as deal moves towards NFL approval
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has agreed to a sale to a group led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris.
Snyder, released a joint statement with his wife, Tanya, on Friday afternoon showing that an agreement had been reached.
Despite an agreement being reached, the sale must be finalized by the league. The NFL’s finance committee will have to give the green light before the league’s 31 other owners, three-quarters of whom must give their approval.
“We are very pleased to have reached agreement on the sale of the Commanders franchise with Josh Harris, a resident of the area, and his impressive group of partners.
“We look forward to the speedy completion of this transaction and to supporting Josh and the team in the years to come.”
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder has agreed to a sale to a group led by Josh Harris
Josh Harris (left) currently owns the 76ers, while Magic Johnson (right) co-owns the Dodgers
Harris will be part of an ownership group that includes Lakers and NBA legend Magic Johnson, Mitch Rales and David Blitzer.
NFL Networks Ian Rapoport reports league and owner approval could occur “in May or in subsequent months.”
“On behalf of our entire ownership group…I want to express how excited we are to be considered by the NFL as the next owners of the Washington Commanders and how committed we are to delivering a championship-caliber franchise to this city and its fan base, Harris said.
“Growing up at Chevy Chase, I experienced firsthand the excitement surrounding the team, including the three Super Bowl wins and the culture of winning over the long haul.
“We look forward to the NFL’s formal approval of our property in the coming months and the honor of serving as accountable and responsible stewards of the Commanders franchise going forward.”
The Snijders have agreed to finally sell the NFC East, much to the delight of many of their fan base
Last month, Sportico reported that a $6 billion deal had been agreed. If those numbers are correct, it would become the most expensive purchase for a sports franchise.
A $4.65 billion purchase of the Denver Broncos was made last year by the Walton-Penner family, the heirs to the Walmart fortune.
If Harris is approved as an owner, he would have interests in three professional teams, including the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. He currently has an interest in the Pittsburgh Steelers, which he will need to sell before his purchase of the Commanders can be completed.
Johnson, meanwhile, has interests in the Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Sparks.