NBA legend Magic Johnson to rival Bezos in bidding for Washington Commanders

20 March 2023 , 22:54

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Magic Johnson is part of a group hoping to rival Amazon supremo Jeff Bezos for the Washington Commanders (Image: Getty)

NBA legend Magic Johnson, alongside Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils co-owner Josh Harris, will reportedly rival Amazon supremo Jeff Bezos in a bid to buy NFL outfit, the Washington Commanders.

The Commanders’ owner, Dan Snyder, is looking to collect $6billion (£4.8bn) for the team, however offers thus far have fallen short. According to the New York Post, an unidentified bidder sent Snyder an offer of around $5.5bn, which was similar to the one Harris, Johnson and Co submitted.

Bezos’ efforts to acquire the Commanders comes as the billionaire looks to build on his Washington portfolio, where he already owns the world renowned Washington Post. However, Snyder isn’t keen for Bezos to be in the running for the Commanders as the publication released a number of articles raising the alleged cases of sexual harassment in the NFL franchise.

Sportico reports that NBA legend Johnson was also part of Harris’ failed bid for the NFL’s Denver Broncos last year. He is providing both money and expertise to the Commanders bid, although it is unclear how much Johnson will contribute, and neither Harris nor the 63-year-old have commented.

A deal to buy the Washington Commanders could come before next month’s NFL owners meeting. Sportico goes on to claim that Snyder’s departure from the NFL would be greatly welcomed across much of the league and among the owners of its other 31 franchises.

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Harris, Co-founder of Apollo Global Management, is worth $7.3bn (£5.9bn), according to Bloomberg. His sports portfolio includes Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and a slice of Premier League South London outfit, Crystal Palace.

Magic Johnson has joined billionaire Josh Harris in his efforts to buy the Washington Commanders (Getty)

It is also said that billionaire Mitchell Rales is also involved in Harris and Johnson’s bid to land the NFL franchise. Rales is worth a reported $6.6bn (£5.3bn).

Business savvy Johnson is no stranger to sports ownership, as in 2011 he joined the bid group led by Guggenheim executives to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers. Johnson was said to put in $50million (£40.7m) into the $2bn+ sale.

Johnson played a massive role with publicity and the Dodgers are now valued at north of $5bn.

Joshua Mbu