Is this Christmas in July? Actually, does Christmas even offer the type of return that today did for the vast majority of Washington football fans? It is a day of note – a day of significance – a date to remember. July 21, 2023 is the day that a starving fanbase finally received the long-awaited news they had been hoping for. Daniel Snyder no longer owns their beloved football team. The most anticipated Washington Commanders ownership change in history, finally actually happened.
The controversial Snyder owned the franchise for nearly 24 years. He sold the team to a group led by Josh Harris. It is a historic moment that marks the end of a tumultuous era for the franchise. The sale sparked a wave of excitement among fans, players, and the sports community alike.
Snyder was paid pretty handsomely, with the sale of the Commanders fetching a record-breaking $6.05 billion – the most expensive team purchase in professional sports history to date.
This eye-popping price tag highlighted the financial value of NFL franchises in general. It also underscored the potential for a fresh start for Washington under new ownership. The sale eclipsed the previous sports team sale record set by the Denver Broncos in 2022. A group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton bought the team for $4.65 billion.
“We are pleased to welcome Josh Harris and his ownership group as the new stewards of the Washington Commanders,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “They bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to excellence that will be essential in the next chapter of this franchise.”
The Snyder Era: A Legacy of Controversy and Dysfunction
Snyder’s ownership was marked by numerous controversies, legal battles, and scandal. Since taking over in 1999, the brash young owner made decisions that alienated fans and damaged the franchise’s once-prominent reputation. The team saw a steady decline in on-field performance, with just two playoff appearances and one NFC Championship appearance during his entire ownership.
Despite the lack of success year in and year out, it was the off the field issues that seemed to be far more damaging to the franchise’s legacy. An investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Snyder and his team in 2022, led to the NFL fining the Commanders $10 million. Snyder was forced to step down from day-to-day operations. It became clear that Snyder’s leadership had become a lightning rod for criticism during the investigations. His control of the team was increasingly seen as unsustainable.
By 2023, fan frustration reached a boiling point. Protests against Snyder’s ownership became a staple at FedExField, and the team’s poor on-field performance combined with off-field scandals created a toxic environment. Fans, once loyal to the team, demanded change, or left completely.
And the pink elephant in the room. Nobody wanted to work with Snyder on building a new stadium. No matter what the fingers were pointing at as the reasons for Snyder being pushed out – his inability to secure a new stadium deal was absolutely the straw that broke the camel’s back. The league needs the country’s fifth biggest market to do a better job at making money.
Josh Harris: A New Beginning for the Commanders
The announcement of Josh Harris as the lead figure for the Washington Commanders ownership change brought a sense of optimism and hope to Washington Commanders fans. Harris is a seasoned businessman and sports owner, and has the credentials and financial backing to reinvigorate the franchise.
Washington’s new owner is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm. He is the owner of multiple professional sports teams, including the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. He is also part of the group that owns Crystal Palace F.C., a football club in the English Premier League. Harris has a track record in sports management, along with his reputation for making smart business decisions. That makes him an appealing choice for Commanders fans who longed for stability and effective leadership.
“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. “The Commanders have a chance to be great again, and with new ownership, I believe the sky’s the limit for this team and its fans.”
The fans are definitely hopeful for a brighter future. How could they not be?
Harris’ vision for the Commanders ticks all the boxes that Joe Q. Commanderfan needs. He speaks of modernizing the franchise, and improving the stadium experience at FedExField. Most importantly, he talks of making the team competitive again on the field.
Harris understands the importance of engaging with fans and building a winning culture. “We are committed to making the Washington Commanders a source of pride for our fans and the entire region. We’ll work tirelessly to bring a championship back to Washington.”
A Historic Day in Washington Commanders History
On July 21, 2023, the Commanders franchise turned a significant new page. After a quarter-century of dysfunction under Snyder’s ownership, the ownership change and sale to Harris represented a chance for the team to regain its stature as a proud, successful NFL franchise. Fans celebrated the end of an era, and many expressed their excitement for what lies ahead.
The sale also marked the beginning of a fresh start for the franchise, as it embarks on a new era of leadership. Part of that leadership group includes new minority owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers legend is clearly excited to be a part of the new regime. “I don’t invest in sports teams for ego. I invest to win. We want to change everything that has happened to this franchise,” said Johnson. The NBA superstar was emotional at points. “We want to invite the community to be part of what we’re building here. We want to give back.”
Commanders fans are eager to see how Harris and Magic will transform the team both on and off the field. The road ahead will undoubtedly have its challenges, but the hope is that the team will now be in good hands, with a clear vision for the future.
Washington Commanders Ownership Change Marks A New Era
The long-anticipated sale of the Washington Commanders was a watershed moment in the franchise’s history. The team and its fans are finally looking forward to a brighter future, largely due to years of frustration under Snyder’s rule. Harris brings something that Snyder hadn’t offered for a very long time.
Hope.
Hail.