Josh Harris' first words after £4.6bn Washington purchase with name change hints

22 July 2023 , 00:25

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Josh Harris is the new owner of the Washington Commanders - and could change their name (Image: Getty Images)

The Washington Commanders have new owners for the first time since 1999, as Josh Harris and his investment group bought the franchise off Dan Snyder for a record £4.6 billion ($6.05bn).

Harris already owns NBA team Philadelphia 76ers and NHL team New Jersey Devils, but has been looking to acquire an NFL franchise for some time. He previously failed in a bid for the Pittsburgh Steelers, but good things come to those who wait as Harris now controls a team from his hometown after he grew up in Washington.

The fans of the franchise have been dealing with disappointment for some time, as under Snyder's entire 24-year ownership they only managed two postseason wins. But Harris is looking to change that, after making a promise to his new fans that things will be different.

"Our promise to you is straightforward. We will work tirelessly to make you proud, once again, of this franchise like my family was," Harris said in his first lengthy statement to the fans. "This is not going to be easy. It's on me. It's on us up here. Our work begins today."

"I appreciate that it's not just about me being a fan. I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility to win the championship and to create great experiences and memories for future fans just like I had as a kid.

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"Winning key games has been something that the Commanders fans don't expect anymore, but once again Harris has claimed to change the culture within the franchise.

"You win championships with the best people in the front office, the best coaching staff, by investing, by creating a fan experience where people want to come out and support the team," Harris added.

Harris is looking to go the whole distance in order to revive the team, and is even planning on sorting a new facility to replace their outdated complex. Another thing that Harris and co-owner and NBA legend Magic Johnson have both hinted at though is changing the name of the franchise.

The sale ends Dan Snyder's era as Washington owner (Getty Images)

HAVE YOUR SAY! What should Washington do with their team name? Join the discussion in the comments section!

Under Snyder and throughout a large part of their history, the team from Washington were known as the Redskins. This was changed in July 2020 after years of complaints due to it being disrespectful to indigenous people, and they were temporarily renamed the Washington Football Team.

This was later changed to the Commanders, although it remains unpopular throughout most of the fanbase. Harris was also asked what he thinks of the name, and said: "It's not about how I feel, it's about how the city feels about all that stuff."

But Johnson admitted that "everything was on the table" when asked about what changes could be made first under the new ownership. Harris will want to bring a new identity to the team, and changing their name could be a crucial start.

Rich Jones