First, the question was: “Will Dan Snyder ever sell the Washington Commanders?” Then, as it became more and more apparent — confirmed after Snyder began “exploring” a sale in November 2022 — the question became: “Who is going to buy the team?”
Speculation flew. But guesstimates soon fell on the richest man in America, who also has ties to the District of Columbia region. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has now emerged as a frontrunner to purchase the NFL team.
Dan Snyder boasts well-known disdain for Jeff Bezos
Marylanders can now bet on the Commanders from anywhere in the state, thanks to the debut of Maryland online sports betting last November. Most recently, Washington’s home field became the first NFL stadium to offer sports betting when it opened a Fanatics Sportsbook at FedEx Field on Jan. 20. The Commanders join three other major sports franchises in the D.C. area (Capitals, Nationals and DC United) to offer in-stadium betting.
Predictions about a Bezos acquisition have swirled since Snyder put the team up for sale. But roadblocks definitely still remain. One of those roadblocks – and perhaps the most significant – is Snyder’s well-known disdain for Bezos, who also owns The Washington Post.
That is the same newspaper that has consistently published unflattering coverage of the NFL franchise. That coverage has included numerous stories about a toxic and sexist workplace, illegal financial dealings and more.
Those factors don’t change the fact that — despite Bezos not submitting an official bid by the first-round deadline at the end of 2022 — he remains the wealthiest of the six potential buyers to make bids.
But none of those bids reached the amount Snyder was reportedly looking for: $7 billion.
Commanders purchase could be highest price ever paid for an NFL franchise
There is plenty to consider when it comes to the value of the Washington Commanders. And now that visiting FedEx Field includes being able to bet on the Commanders, that worth rises even higher.
Recent news of a FedEx Field area development project should make the purchase even more appealing to potential buyers like Bezos.
The purchase price is likely to be the highest paid for an NFL franchise to date.
The team remains incredibly popular. Its storied history and past successes have appealed to countless fans across the country. But the team has mainly struggled on the field over the last couple of decades.
Resurrecting a team that has played badly, along with renewing a front office that’s been riddled with controversy could make the Commanders a worthwhile “project” to pursue.
Plus, the team is improving. The Commanders barely missed the playoffs in 2022 after a strong finish.
Sale should happen in the next couple of months
With the NFL’s new year beginning on March 15, that is likely the target date for a sale to get done. Though, that date is just weeks away, so the likelihood of completing a sale by then is diminishing.
FOX NFL reporter Jay Glazer has said the sale will likely take place by the end of March.
Whether it’s Bezos – who would likely have to sell The Washington Post to buy the Commanders – or someone else, the expectation around the league is that the sale will take place in the first half of 2023.
And it will be for a record-breaking amount of money.
