How much weight does rumored new Commanders ownership bid hold?

How much weight should be placed on a recent report claiming there was a new runner in the Washington Commanders’ ownership race?

While there is now an agreement in place between Dan Snyder and an ownership group led by Josh Harris to buy the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion, it was non-exclusive. Meaning that if someone else wanted to throw their hat into the bidding war, they have permission to do so.

News of the pending sale was met with celebration and elation among the fans. Something that signals the end of Snyder’s tenure and the start of what will hopefully become an exciting new era of prosperity.

It seemed like a done deal. That was until a report surfaced about another offer emerging from Brian Davis, a former Duke basketball star and business mogul.

Brian Davis rumored to want the Commanders for $7 billion

According to Darren Hayes of WUSA9, Davis is willing to purchase the Commanders for $7 billion. Perhaps the most controversial aspect of this transaction is the willingness to indemnify Snyder to get the deal over the line – which is basically transferring any legal liability from the previous owner onto the new one.

"“The bid being discussed was made by D.C. native Brian Davis, as a $7 billion cash offer. Bid details were first reported in March by “The Sports Junkies” on 106.7. Documents obtained by WUSA9 confirm the financial details of the bid made by Davis on March 21. According to the documents, Davis is offering to pay the first $1 billion to Dan Snyder within 24 hours, and $6 billion within seven days. Davis is also willing to indemnify Dan Snyder as a condition of his offer, according to the March 21 letter, meaning Davis is willing to take on any legal liability related to Dan Snyder and ongoing investigations into the team.”"

Other revelations surrounding Davis’ bid – which would make him the first black NFL owner in history – indicate reported wealth of $50 billion and a personal offer letter to Snyder highlighting the intent to use renewable energy and return the franchise to the heart of the community.

It’s hard to know what to make of this rumored development. No other prominent organization with knowledge of the discussions such as the Washington Post or ESPN has shed further light on the topic, which makes it questionable at best until something becomes concrete either way.

Indemnifying Snyder would be a slap in the face to all those who’ve suffered heartache under his leadership. The investigations are still ongoing and reportedly won’t be impacted by any sale one way or another – which would obviously change if Davis ended up getting his way.

The bid also comes out of left field to a certain extent. Harris’ group has the pedigree and the infrastructure to get league approval quickly. Could Davis say the same? Probably not.

There is also the small matter of Davis’ checkered business history – something highlighted in this article from Deadspin which paints a bleak picture that might not get past the NFL’s finance committee when it’s also said and done.

Something that cannot be said of the Harris group’s bid. One that’s legitimate and comes with a good track record in the sporting/business world.

While nothing can be ruled out given how this saga’s unfolded so far, the fact this offer is $950 million over the agreement with Harris’ group makes it hard to believe. So proceed as normal until when – or if – further confirmation arrives.