Josh Harris has led the takeover of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder and could change the name of the NFL franchise again
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.”