The Washington Commanders are one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL. Not just because of football. But because of ownership drama, big money deals, and famous names. If you have ever wondered who actually owns the team, you are not alone. The answer is simple now, but it was not always that way.
TLDR: The Washington Commanders are owned by a group led by billionaire Josh Harris. He bought the team in 2023 for a record-breaking $6.05 billion. Before him, the team was owned for over 20 years by Dan Snyder. The new ownership group includes several powerful and famous investors who hope to lead the team into a new era.
The Current Owner: Josh Harris
The main person in charge today is Josh Harris. He is an American billionaire businessman. He made most of his money in private equity. He is a co-founder of a company called Apollo Global Management. That company manages billions of dollars.
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[/p]In 2023, Harris led a group that agreed to buy the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion. That number is huge. In fact, it was the highest price ever paid for a professional sports team at the time.
This purchase was not a solo move. Harris did not buy the team alone. He has partners.
Key Members of the Ownership Group
- Josh Harris – Managing partner and main decision-maker.
- David Blitzer – Business partner of Harris and sports investor.
- Magic Johnson – NBA legend and businessman.
- Mitchell Rales – Maryland-based billionaire.
Yes, that Magic Johnson. The basketball Hall of Famer. He is not just a sports icon. He is also a sharp investor with ownership stakes in several sports teams.
This group brings money, experience, and star power. That combination made NFL owners comfortable approving the sale.
How the Sale Happened
The sale did not happen overnight. It followed years of controversy under the previous owner, Dan Snyder.
Fans were frustrated. There were workplace investigations. Reports of financial mismanagement surfaced. The team struggled on the field. Pressure grew.
Eventually, Snyder announced he would explore selling the team. That started a bidding war. Several wealthy groups showed interest. But Josh Harris and his team presented the strongest financial offer.
In July 2023, NFL owners officially approved the sale.
Just like that, a new era began.
The Previous Owner: Dan Snyder
Before Harris, there was Dan Snyder. He bought the team in 1999 for $800 million.
At the time, that seemed like a massive amount. Looking back, it was a bargain.
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Snyder was only 34 years old when he purchased the team. That made him one of the youngest owners in NFL history. Fans initially had hope. He was energetic and ambitious.
But over time, things went wrong.
Major Issues During Snyder’s Ownership
- Frequent coaching changes.
- Poor team performance.
- Workplace misconduct investigations.
- Fan dissatisfaction.
- Loss of sponsors.
The team also retired its long-time name, the Washington Redskins, in 2020 after public pressure. For two seasons, they were called the Washington Football Team. Then they rebranded as the Washington Commanders in 2022.
All of this happened while Snyder was still owner.
By the time he agreed to sell, his relationship with fans and other NFL owners had weakened.
Who Really Owns an NFL Team?
This is where things get interesting.
When people ask, “Who owns the Washington Commanders?” they usually mean who is the main controlling owner. That is Josh Harris.
But in reality, NFL teams are owned by groups. These groups include:
- Majority owner (the boss)
- Minority investors
- Limited partners
The majority owner typically makes the final decisions. The minority partners invest money and sometimes help with strategy. But they do not run daily football operations.
In the case of the Commanders, Harris is the controlling owner. The NFL requires one person to have clear authority. That keeps governance simple.
What About Magic Johnson?
Magic Johnson’s involvement created huge buzz. Fans were excited. Media coverage exploded.
But Magic does not “own” the team by himself. He is part of the ownership group. His stake is smaller than Harris’s.
Still, his role matters.
Magic brings:
- Championship experience.
- Business knowledge.
- Strong public image.
- Player connections.
He has already said he wants to help build a winning culture. That kind of leadership can make a difference.
How Much Is the Team Worth Now?
Sports franchise values keep rising. The Commanders sold for $6.05 billion in 2023. Since then, the NFL’s popularity continues to grow.
TV contracts are massive. Stadium revenue is strong. Merchandising is global.
That means the team could be worth even more today.
Back in 1999, Snyder paid $800 million. When he sold for $6.05 billion, that represented a staggering increase.
It shows one simple truth. NFL teams are powerful investments.
Where Do the Commanders Play?
The team currently plays at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. Many fans hope for a new stadium in the future.
Stadium development is often one of the biggest issues new owners face. It requires:
- Public funding discussions.
- Local government cooperation.
- Huge financial investment.
Josh Harris and his group have already expressed interest in building a new stadium. Possibly in Washington, D.C. That process will take time.
A modern stadium can increase team value. It can also improve fan experience.
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[/p>Why Ownership Matters to Fans
Some people think ownership does not matter. Players win games. Coaches design plays.
But ownership sets the tone.
Owners hire:
- The team president.
- The general manager.
- The head coach.
They approve budgets. They shape culture. They define expectations.
Under strong ownership, teams often find stability. Under weak leadership, chaos grows.
Commanders fans hope the Harris era brings stability. And maybe championships.
Is Josh Harris New to Sports Ownership?
Not at all.
Harris and Blitzer already own stakes in other professional teams:
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- New Jersey Devils (NHL)
That experience matters. Running a sports team is different from running a normal corporation. There are salary caps. Draft systems. League rules.
Harris understands these systems.
The NFL’s Role in Ownership
It is important to remember something else.
The NFL itself has power over team ownership. All owners must be approved by the league. At least 24 of the 32 teams must vote yes to approve a sale.
That happened in 2023. The vote was unanimous.
This shows something important. The other owners trusted Harris.
What Has Changed Since the Sale?
The mood around the team feels different.
Attendance improved. Fan optimism returned. The front office made structural changes.
There is more transparency. More communication. Less controversy.
Of course, winning games is what truly matters. Ownership alone cannot score touchdowns.
But leadership at the top often trickles down.
Quick Timeline
- 1932 – Franchise founded (originally in Boston).
- 1999 – Dan Snyder buys the team for $800 million.
- 2020 – Team drops old name.
- 2022 – Rebrands as Washington Commanders.
- 2023 – Josh Harris group buys team for $6.05 billion.
That is a lot of history packed into a few decades.
So, Who Owns the Washington Commanders?
Here is the simple answer.
The Washington Commanders are owned by a group led by Josh Harris.
He is the managing partner. He has final authority. His partners include David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, and other investors.
Before 2023, the team was owned by Dan Snyder for 24 years.
Now, the franchise is in new hands. And possibly headed in a new direction.
Final Thoughts
Ownership shapes a team’s future. It affects culture. Spending. Stability. Vision.
The Commanders have experienced both turbulence and renewal. From Snyder’s long and controversial tenure to Harris’s record-breaking purchase, the team’s ownership story is dramatic.
Fans now watch with cautious hope. They want wins. They want pride. They want consistency.
Only time will tell if Josh Harris and his group deliver championships.
But one thing is certain.
The Washington Commanders are no longer defined by ownership controversy. They are defined by possibility.
