On Thursday, the lengthy journey of the Commanders’ change of ownership cleared a massive hurdle, with the NFL’s owners unanimously approving the sale of the team from embattled owner Dan Snyder to the Josh Harris Group for $6.05 billion. While the cement has not fully dried on the deal, the result all but makes official a new era in Washington.
So what did the franchise’s soon-to-be new owner do upon receiving approval from the league? He immediately set about winning over his new fans.
Harris commemorated the occasion by calling into the Grant and Danny radio show in Washington, D.C., where he announced that he would be purchasing beers for all fans in attendance at the station’s parties at two local bars that night. It was a move that drew quick praise from show co-host Grant Paulsen, who remarked that he could not recall Snyder ever doing something similar.
Josh Harris bought everyone a beer at the ‘Burgundy and Sold,’ Bullpen party in DC 🍺 #HTTC @WUSA9 @EricFlackTV
— Lorenzo Hall (@LorenzoHall) July 20, 2023
Today, Harris said improving fan experience is his priority. Well, that’s a start… pic.twitter.com/tYPLvevCGy
The sales price of over $6 billion is the most ever for a sports franchise. Harris, 58, is from the Maryland and D.C. area and is a co-owner of the 76ers and the Devils.
“As a lifelong Washington football fan who grew up here, I know that the Commanders are more than just a sports team,” Harris wrote in a statement. “This is an institution, passed down from generation to generation. From day one, it is our top priority to deliver you a championship caliber 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.”
