17 February 2023 , 13:04
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NFL chiefs reportedly believe Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will make a move to become the new owner Washington Commanders, amid continued speculation over a takeover.
Bezos is an NFL fan and has been seen at a number of games over the years, even pictured being sat with commissioner Roger Goodell on more than one occasion.
The Commanders are officially up for sale after controversial owner Dan Snyder hired the Bank of America to explore a deal after a number of controversies.
Snyder has owned the franchise since 1999, but amid little success on the field, there has been a number off-field issues, including some serious accusations. An investigation was opened after reports of sexual harassment against female employees, with the franchise hit with a $10 million (£8.7m) fine and Snyder was instructed to step away from the team.
Reports have also suggested that the NFL wants Snyder to sell, with the owner reportedly set to ask for as much as $7billion for the franchise. The Denver Broncos were sold for $4.65 billion last year - the record for most expensive team purchase.
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And NFL chiefs now reportedly believe a move will take place, with Bezos potentially swooping in to complete a deal.
Fox Business Network reporter Charles Gasparino tweeted: "Word from owners who attended last week's Super Bowl was that if Jeff Bezos wants to buy the Commanders the team is his just given how the math works. If the price is $7 billion, league requires 30 percent cash. Not a lot of potential bidders have that.
"More bidders in addition to Josh Harris of Harris Blitzer will be kicking the tires in the coming days, I am told. Again word from owners is that they see Bezos sitting out initial rounds, and then topping the bids and pricing the field out. Story developing."
A Washington Commanders fan making it known that he wants Jeff Bezos to take over from Dan SnyderBezos already owns the Washington Post, with reports suggesting he could sell the media outlet in order to facilitate a deal. Speculation continued after Bezos was seen having dinner with rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z, who could be involved in a takeover.
The Amazon owner has already spoken on the potential of a deal happening, admitting that he is a huge football fan. Speaking with CNN, he said: "Yes, I’ve heard that buzz. I grew up in Houston, Texas, and I played football growing up as a kid… and it is my favourite sport… So we’ll just have to wait and see."
The Commanders franchise is said to be valued at around $5.6bn (£4.8bn) - despite Snyder buying the team for $800million (£691m) in 1999.