NFL approves Commanders sale to Josh Harris-led group
NFL owners unanimously approved Josh Harris and his ownership group's purchase of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder at Thursday's league meeting in Minnesota, commissioner Roger Goodell announced.
The league also released the findings of an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and financial improprieties Thursday. Snyder will pay $60 million to the league to resolve the case.
The Commanders reportedly sold for $6.05 billion, breaking the record for the most expensive acquisition of a U.S. sports franchise. The Rob Walton-led group that paid $4.65 billion for the Denver Broncos in 2022 held the previous mark.
"Josh will be a great addition to the NFL. He has a remarkable record in business, sports, and in his communities," Goodell said in a statement. "The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties, and we welcome them to the NFL."
Goodell added: "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."
Tanya and Dan Snyder agreed in May to sell the franchise to Harris and his group, which includes former NBA star Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales. Final approval of the sale required at least 24 NFL owners to accept the deal.
"I'm going to be remembered for what I do in Washington. That's not lost on me. I'm all-in," Harris said Thursday, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Washington is the third major sports franchise Harris owns. Alongside David Blitzer, Harris also owns the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers and NHL's New Jersey Devils.
The sale signals the end of a scandal-filled ownership tenure by Snyder that spanned 24 seasons. His time in charge was tainted by alleged workplace misconduct, sexual harassment, and financial impropriety, leading to investigations by the NFL and Congress.
An independent investigation by attorney Mary Jo White concluded that Snyder sexually harassed a former Commanders cheerleader and the Commanders did deliberately underreport NFL revenues to avoid the team's revenue-sharing obligations. However, Snyder's level of personal involvement in the revenue shielding was unclear.
"The conduct substantiated in Ms. White's findings has no place in the NFL," Goodell said. "We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful, and professional."
The league fined Snyder and the Commanders $10 million in 2021 following an investigation into the team's workplace. A 2022 report by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform also stated that Snyder played a part in creating a "toxic" workplace culture.
Snyder purchased the Washington franchise in 1999. He announced in November 2022 that the family would explore selling the club.
Harris inherits a Commanders team that hasn't won 10-plus games in a season in a decade. Washington has also finished third or worse in the NFC East in 14 of the last 17 campaigns.