The Washington Commanders, one of the most famous teams in the National Football League (NFL), has a new owner! In July 2023, a group led by Josh Harris officially bought the team for $6.05 billion, setting a record as the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in history.
For over two decades, the team was owned by Daniel Snyder, but his time as owner was filled with controversy. Many fans were unhappy with how the team was run, and there were several investigations into workplace misconduct. The sale of the team brought hope for a fresh start.
So, who is Josh Harris, and what does his ownership mean for the future of the Washington Commanders? Let’s take a closer look!
Who Is Josh Harris?
Josh Harris is a wealthy businessman and investor. He was born in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and grew up as a fan of Washington’s football team.
His Background
- He studied at the University of Pennsylvania and later earned a degree from Harvard Business School.
- He made his fortune by co-founding Apollo Global Management, a huge investment firm that handles billions of dollars.
- His business success allowed him to invest in sports teams, which became a big passion for him.
Other Teams He Owns
Josh Harris is no stranger to owning sports teams. He also owns:
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) – He bought the basketball team in 2011.
- New Jersey Devils (NHL) – He purchased the hockey team in 2013.
Because of his experience managing sports franchises, many fans hope he can turn the Commanders into a winning team again.
The Ownership Group: Who Else Is Involved?
Although Josh Harris is the main owner, he is not alone. His ownership group includes wealthy and well-known figures from different industries.
Key Members of the Ownership Group
| Name | Background |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Rales | A billionaire businessman from Maryland, co-founder of Danaher Corporation. |
| Magic Johnson | Former NBA superstar, businessman, and part-owner of other sports teams. |
| David Blitzer | A sports investor who co-owns the 76ers and Devils with Harris. |
| Mark Ein | A Washington D.C.-based businessman and sports team owner. |
| Lee Ainslie | A successful hedge fund manager. |
| Alejandro Santo Domingo | A billionaire investor and member of a wealthy Colombian family. |
| Eric Schmidt | Former CEO of Google. |
| Doug Ostrover | Co-founder of Blue Owl Capital, a big investment firm. |
This group of investors brings a lot of money and experience in business, sports, and technology. Their goal is to help the Commanders become successful both on and off the field.
Why Did Daniel Snyder Sell the Team?
Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999 for $800 million, but his time as owner was full of problems.
Reasons for the Sale:
- Poor Team Performance – The Commanders struggled under his ownership, with only a few playoff appearances.
- Controversies and Investigations – The NFL investigated the team for a toxic workplace culture, and there were allegations of sexual harassment and financial misconduct.
- Fan Frustration – Many fans were unhappy with Snyder’s leadership and wanted him to sell the team.
- Pressure from Other Owners – NFL team owners and sponsors pushed for change.
In 2023, Snyder agreed to sell the team, bringing hope for a new and better era for the franchise.
What Does the New Ownership Mean for the Commanders?
Josh Harris and his team have big plans for the Washington Commanders.
A New Culture and Better Management
- The new owners want to improve the team’s reputation by creating a better workplace environment.
- They hired experienced executives and coaches to lead the team in a fresh direction.
Possible Stadium Upgrade or New Stadium
- The Commanders currently play at FedEx Field, which many fans believe is outdated.
- The new owners are exploring options to build a modern stadium in Washington D.C., Virginia, or Maryland.
Improving Team Performance
- Josh Harris has experience building winning teams.
- The Commanders hired Dan Quinn as their new head coach to help turn the team around.
- They will invest in better players, coaching staff, and facilities.
Strengthening the Connection with Fans
- The new owners want to listen to the fans and bring back the excitement of Washington football.
- There have been discussions about possibly changing the team’s name again to reconnect with its history.
What’s Next for the Washington Commanders?
- The 2024 NFL season will be the first full season under Josh Harris’s leadership. Fans are eager to see:
- How the team performs with new management.
- Whether there will be a new stadium plan.
- If the ownership will bring back a winning culture.
Final Thoughts: A New Beginning for the Commanders
The Washington Commanders now have new leadership, a new vision, and a fresh start. With Josh Harris at the helm, alongside sports legends like Magic Johnson, there is hope that the team will once again become a dominant force in the NFL.
Only time will tell how successful they will be, but for now, Commanders fans can look forward to an exciting new era!