Has Jay-Z made his power play for potential Commanders ownership?

Does a recent business move from Jay-Z represent a power play to involve himself in the Washington Commanders’ ownership race?

It appears as if the Washington Commanders will fall under new ownership sooner rather than later. Dan Snyder is under enormous pressure to sell the organization after recent scandals, although nobody has reportedly been willing to meet his whopping $7 billion asking price at the moment.

Speculation remains rampant about who will cough up the funds needed to take over. All signs point to Jeff Bezos currently, but the multi-billionaire could also seek alternative investment from others as part of a consortium approach.

Jay-Z frees up $750 million as Commanders sale becomes imminent

One individual that’s been linked heavily is Jay-Z. The rap mogul turned business phenom reportedly met with the Amazon owner late last year to discuss the possibility, which would completely shift the Commanders landscape once Snyder’s reign finally comes to a conclusion.

The Roc Nation founder has a net worth of $1.3 billion according to Forbes. Nothing compared to Bezos’ $121.4 billion, obviously, but enough to throw his hat in the ring if he’s serious about becoming a part owner of an NFL franchise.

With Snyder putting his mansion up for sale, something could be imminent. And Jay-Z – real name Shawn Carter – made a power play of his own to gain additional funds that could lead to a stake in the Commanders when it’s all said and done.

According to multiple reports, Jay-Z has sold the controlling stake of his D’USSÉ Cognac brand for $750 million. This ends a lengthy legal dispute with Bacardi and enables him to “retain a significant ownership stake“.

This might be something and nothing. However, the timing is interesting and cause for speculation if nothing else.

It would be a shock if Bezos didn’t make a bold bid for the Commanders. And Charles Gasparino of the FOX Business Network stated that Snyder could sell after the Super Bowl to avoid the upcoming NFL ownership meetings.

"“NFL sources say the sale of Commanders will take place weeks after Super Bowl and owners’ meeting in March. Despite denials, most people in NFL circles think Jeff Bezos will bid after initial bids are in; given his wealth, he’s most capable to make numbers work for purchase.”"

Adding Jay-Z to his ownership bid would provide Bezos with a powerful ally given his connections to commissioner Roger Goodell. Players around the league deeply respect the rapper, who remains one of the most important cultural figures in America to this day.

This would also be a step in the right direction for potential minority owners, who are few and far between right now. So the positives far outweigh the negatives and from the Commanders’ standpoint, it gives fresh hope that the franchise can emerge as an NFL powerhouse after years of languishing in mediocrity under Snyder’s leadership.

Thankfully for fans, they won’t have to wait much longer before something is confirmed one way or another. Jay-Z and Bezos would be welcomed with open arms, even if Snyder could make things extremely difficult for any bidder given his feelings about being pushed out.

We wait with bated breath for a formal outcome.