Commanders deal done: Snyders agree to sell team to Josh Harris-led group
Snyders reach agreement for Commanders sale
It’s the news a lot of Commanders fans have been waiting decades to hear. On Friday, Dan Snyder officially announced he’s reached an agreement to sell the team. Pending NFL approval, Chevy Chase native Josh Harris will lead the new ownership group. FOX 5’s Josh Rosenthal reports from FedEx Field with fan reaction and more.
WASHINGTON - The deal is done! Dan and Tanya Snyder, the Washington Commanders co-owners, have reached an agreement to sell the franchise to a group led by Chevy Chase native Josh Harris.
The purchase and sale agreement – which was jointly announced Friday – call for Harris, Magic Johnson, Mitch Rales, and their partners to acquire the Commanders from the Snyder family.
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Josh Harris-led group nears deal to buy Washington Commanders: report
After years of controversy swirling around the Washington Commanders and Dan Snyder, a new owner could soon be taking over D.C.'s football franchise.
The deal is subject to NFL approval and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
"We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for the sale of the Commanders franchise with Josh Harris, an area native, and his impressive group of partners," said Tanya and Dan Snyder in a statement released by the Harris ownership group. "We look forward to the prompt completion of this transaction and to rooting for Josh and the team in the coming years."
"On behalf of our entire ownership group - including Mitch Rales, my longtime sports business partner David Blitzer and Earvin Magic Johnson, I want to express how excited we are to be considered by the NFL to be the next owners of the Washington Commanders and how committed we are to delivering a championship-caliber franchise for this city and its fanbase," Harris said.
"Growing up in Chevy Chase, I experienced first-hand the excitement around the team, including its three Super Bowl victories and long-term winning culture. We look forward to the formal approval of our ownership by the NFL in the months ahead and to having the honor to serve as responsible and accountable stewards of the Commanders franchise moving forward.
"Thank you to Tanya and Dan Snyder and the staff of the Commanders for their partnership and cooperation throughout the sale process … We look forward to running a world-class organization and making significant investments on and off the field to achieve excellence and have a lasting and positive impact on the community."
Legendary Head Coach Joe Gibbs also released a statement regarding the sale.
"I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Josh Harris and the leadership team during this process and fully support his efforts to lead the new ownership group of the Commanders," Gibbs said. "The NFL has grown a great deal since my time as a coach in this League, but what hasn’t changed is my belief that with great leadership from the top, the drive to win on the field and a commitment to culture – championship teams are created. Josh and his team share these values and I am committed to doing what I can to re-connect this great franchise to the community, fanbase, and alumni."