Dan Snyder’s reign with the Washington Commanders appears to be coming to an end, as this American millionaire has proclaimed his intention to sell the proprietorship of the Washington Commanders. In 1999, he compensated the estate of former owner Jack Kent Cooke $750 million for the team, then known as the Washington Redskins, borrowing $350 million in the process. Now, the team is valued at $4.2 billion.
Further debate surrounded the team’s name because it was derived from the Redskins, a term of Native American origin. Snyder eventually changed the team’s name to the Washington Commanders.
Why is Dan Snyder selling Washington Commanders?
Snyder’s ownership of the team has been highly attacked, with charges of poisonous workplace culture and financial improprieties.
The Commanders possessed two books, which was the first charge leveled against this guy. One had the actual financial records, while the other was provided to the NFL. The second claim allegedly prevented Washington from paying additional taxes and/or fees by withholding ticket proceeds, making it seem as though Washington sold fewer tickets.
This 58-year-old is currently under investigation by federal prosecutors, while the IRS is apparently interested in a $55 million loan Snyder took out on the team without the knowledge of his former business partners.
Former U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White is now in charge of the inquiry, and Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay stated at a league conference in October that there was “merit to remove” Snyder. Additionally, White’s investigations revealed that Snyder was paying himself a salary. That is unlawful, but the problem arises if he paid himself with the money from the waiver.
The owners of the other 31 NFL teams are attempting to put an end to the years-long scandal surrounding the franchise amidst many investigations into workplace behavior and possible financial irregularities against Snyder.
Longtime owners Dan and his wife Tanya started looking for selling some or all of the team in the fall, indicating that Snyder himself is no longer interested to be a part of the commanders as already this owner’s activity is under question.
Who is vying for the ownership of Commanders?
According to four people familiar with the sales process, annual NFL league meetings will begin on Sunday in Phoenix. Johnson’s accession to the Harris group comes as top bidders try to reach an agreement with Snyder before the meeting.
NBA legend Magic Johnson, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA titles, has joined the investment group led by Josh Harris in its bid to buy the Washington Commanders from owner Daniel.
SCOOP: @MagicJohnson has joined the Josh Harris group bidding on the @Commanders.
Johnson has ownership experience with the @Dodgers, @LASparks and @LAFC, and was part of Harris's bid for @Broncos.
More from me and @soshnick 👇https://t.co/BphRRjzwGQ
— Eben Novy-Williams (@novy_williams) March 20, 2023
Johnson is already a sports team owner, owning shares in the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC, and Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers. Another rival Harris along with partner David Blitzer owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils.
