20 July 2023 , 23:09
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The Washington Commanders have finally exchanged hands between Dan Snyder and Harris, and become the most expensive sports team ever to be sold.
Snyder has sold the franchise for $6.05 billion after originally purchasing it for just $800 million in 1999. Taking over the Commanders is Harris and his investment group, which also features NBA legend Magic Johnson.
After months of negotiations, the NFL owners have unanimously approved the sale to Harris and his group, and Johnson posted an emotional message on Twitter once they finally got the news they'd been waiting for. "God is so good…I still can’t believe it! I am currently living in an answered prayer," Johnson tweeted.
"Since beginning my journey as an athlete and now businessman and team owner, it's all been a dream that has come full circle. I grew up playing football as a kid, I’m a huge NFL fan, and I watch games every week. Now, I get to co-own a storied franchise, the Washington Commanders.
"I’m especially thankful to Josh Harris who allowed me to be one of his partners with the Commanders. He is an amazing man, great friend, incredible businessman, proven owner and winner with the Philadelphia 76ers. Josh and his team have been first class throughout this entire process.
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"Our ownership team is committed to the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia community and fanbase to bring a winning team and best in class organisation. This is truly the biggest achievement in my business career and a historic moment for the entire Black community. Talk about God’s perfect timing. This was the right organisation for me to be a part of given its global appeal, history of winning, and the diverse fanbase and DMV community.
"I have a special relationship with the DMV. Many people don’t know I’ve done business in the Washington, DC area for many years. I was one of the owners of the Washington Hilton, I built multiple Starbucks franchises and Magic Johnson Theatres, and empowerment centres with the Magic Johnson Foundation. I am honoured and ecstatic to be a co-owner of the Commanders franchise!"
His business partner and leader of the group, Harris, is just as delighted and released his own statement to the Commanders fans who are desperate for change. Under Snyder in 24 seasons the Commanders only won two playoff games, and never even reached the NFC Championship game.
"Today, my partners and I were entrusted by the NFL with the stewardship of a great franchise, " Harris said. "As a lifelong Washington football fan who grew up here, I know that the Commanders are more than just a sports team. This is an institution, passed down from generation to generation.
"From day one, it is our priority to deliver you a championship calibre team, and we will strive everyday to ensure that we are a franchise you can be proud of. To Commanders fans everywhere, our promise is simple: we will do the work, create the culture and make the investment needed to deliver for this team and for Washington."