Commanders Rumors: Interested parties nervous as Jeff Bezos lurks
By Dean Jones
A recent report suggested there was nervousness among interested parties as Jeff Bezos continues to lurk with a potential bid for the Washington Commanders.
There seems to be an end in sight regarding Dan Snyder selling the Washington Commanders before the 2023 campaign. Two official, fully-financed bids of $6 billion have been lodged that reportedly meet the owners asking price, which could see things speed up en route to a landmark occasion for the franchise.
This has become a tiresome situation for fans, who just want a successful resolution without much fuss. That was never going to arrive considering the allegations and overall esteem in which Snyder is held, with the rumored interest from Jeff Bezos something that could ensure there is another twist or turn to come.
Bezos hired an investment firm with the intent of at least exploring the possibility of buying the Commanders. There have also been reports that Snyder would be receptive to an offer from this particular party despite some bad blood once upon a time.
Other Commanders bidders reportedly nervous about potential Jeff Bezos bid
If Bezos is serious about launching his bid, it needs to happen quickly. And Theodore Schleifer from Puck News suggested that other interested parties are nervous about the possibility of the Amazon founder throwing his immense financial clout into the equation.
"“Other prospective ownership groups remain on pins and needles, disturbed that Bezos is playing three dimensional chess in a highly irregular, highly idiosyncratic bake-off. Unlike Harris, Bezos easily can meet the requirement that the lead buyer own 30 percent of the team with no need for a fundraising consortium—Jay-Z, a Bezos pal, and Matthew McConaughey, a Snyder pal, are part of his exploratory bid for kicks. Neither Harris nor Apostolopoulos can defeat Bezos in a game of checkbook roulette.”"
The writer has multiple good points within his outstanding feature. Perhaps the most important is that if Bezos wants to buy the Commanders, there is nothing that other bidders can do to match whatever offer he puts on the table.
Snyder wants as much money as possible before riding off into the sunset. If that comes from Bezos, it’s unlikely he’ll turn down more money just to save face.
Magic Johnson revealed on the Today Show that he was hopeful his group – led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales – would be successful after making a formal offer. Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos is the other bidder and someone that came relatively out of nowhere.
As for Bezos, it’s been relative radio silence since the investment firm investigation news came to light. Being one of the world’s richest men means he can move quietly without fanfare, and two sources familiar with the selling process claimed to Schleifer that Snyder’s representatives would be wise to reach out and encourage a bigger offer.
"“If you’re the bankers and you’re running this process, it’s almost malpractice not to call him at the end. If Jeff really wants it, he will win it. I’m very confused. Because if I’m in Jeff’s position, and I really want this team, I put in a preemptive bid and I win.”"
Snyder can only wait so long for Bezos to stake his claim. Other NFL owners also want a quick resolution, even if the prospect of someone with a net worth of $128 billion joining their ranks would be a significant asset.
The saga will conclude at some stage before the regular season arrives. Ron Rivera and other staff members are focusing on football matters to avoid any unnecessary distractions, which is also good advice for fans until that confirmation notification hits once and for all.