2 hurdles that could block Jeff Bezos from buying the Commanders
By Jerry Trotta
The Washington Commanders aren’t technically up for sale, but Dan Snyder certainly laid the groundwork after he hired Bank of America Securities to explore transactions involving the team. Those transactions weren’t specified, as they could include the sale of the team or attracting minority investors.
“The Snyders remain committed to the team, all of its employees and its countless fans to putting the best product on the field and continuing the work to set the gold standard for workplaces in the NFL,” the team said in the statement.
Don’t read too much into that. If Snyder receives a big enough bid, he’d probably sell considering he’s the center of multiple investigations; the latest being launched by the U.S. Attorney’s office over the Commanders’ alleged financial improprieties mere hours after Forbes’ report was published and made waves.
So, who might make Snyder an offer he cant refuse? Amazon’s Jeff Bezos is seemingly at the forefront of everyone’s wishlist and it’s already been reported Bezos is considering partnering with Jay-Z to purchase the Commanders.
If Bezos’ name is in the mix, he’s the prohibitive favorite. He’s simply that influential. However, there are two potential roadblocks that might block Snyder — and NFL owners — from selling to the $155.6 billion entrepreneur.
2 hurdles that could block Jeff Bezos from buying the Commanders
2. Jezz Bezos’ ties to Amazon
During the offseason, Amazon reached a deal with the NFL to exclusively stream Thursday Night Football. The agreement runs for 11 seasons, during which Amazon will pay the league $13 billion to stream 15 regular season games and one preseason game per year.
The roadblock here is obvious, as Bezos is Amazon’s founder, executive chairman and former president and CEO of Amazon. The fact Amazon now has a share of the NFL broadcasting pie is significant, as owners (typically) don’t want to get in bed with someone who’s already buddy-buddy with commissioner Roger Goodell.
While a potential stumbling block, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer understands Bezos’ Amazon ties are less of a concern after he stepped down as the company’s CEO to become executive chairman in July 2021. Will that be enough to get 24 of 32 owners on board to approve Bezos as Snyder’s successor?
That’s anyone’s guess, but there’s a much greater concern that could potentially prevent Bezos from buying the Commanders.