What big challenges face the new Washington Commanders ownership group once the sale by Dan Snyder gets formal approval from the NFL?
Despite a suspect offer of $7 billion from Brian Davis not holding much weight, the Washington Commanders took one step closer to being sold this week. According to Sportico and multiple other insiders, papers were officially delivered to the NFL for tentative approval after Dan Snyder accepted a $6.05 billion bid from the ownership group led by Josh Harris.
This will be sent back and forth before a formal vote is cast. Considering how other NFL owners are keen to remove Snyder from the equation with minimal fuss, it would be a surprise if the process wasn’t straightforward from here on.
Harris, together with partners Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson, have a significant amount of work ahead. Looking at their previous history with sporting franchises, expect landmark changes pretty quickly once something gets rubber-stamped.
With this in mind, here are three big challenges facing Harris’ team immediately after the sale becomes official.
Challenge No. 1
Improving the Commanders infrastructure
One thing the new ownership group will do instantly – if they haven’t already – is examine the Washington Commanders’ infrastructure across the organization. And make no mistake, a different regime is bound to have alternative ideas to improve and take this once-proud franchise forward.
Current team president Jason Wright has held discussions with the group already and is likely to do so again in the coming weeks. But his vision might not match theirs, so it’s an interesting challenge to find some common ground before the 2023 season begins.
Changing the Commanders culture
Perhaps the final nail in Dan Snyder’s ownership of the Washington Commanders centered on concerning allegations surrounding toxic workplace culture throughout his tenure. Something that remains under investigation and could bring further ramifications down the line.
This culture is not in keeping with modern-day NFL methods and has to change. Fortunately for Josh Harris and his ownership group, the foundations are already in place to improve this aspect of running the franchise.
Ron Rivera was brought in as head coach and primary decision-maker to shift the landscape on the football side of things. This is something the respected figure has accomplished well, even if Snyder’s ongoing difficulties have been a distraction on more than a few occasions.
Another positive is Harris and Magic Johnson’s experience creating a winning atmosphere elsewhere. Both the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Dodgers have benefitted tremendously from an environment that breeds success rather than prevents it – which is a task Snyder was never able to manage throughout a torrid ownership spell than spanned more than two decades and brought just two postseason wins along the way.
Rivera and his staff deserve credit for putting in the groundwork. Whether they’ll be around to see through this ambitious project is a completely different question.
Changing how Commanders are perceived
Another huge challenge awaiting Josh Harris and his group is changing how the Washington Commanders are perceived. This bears significance not only among NFL circles but also as a global sports brand for good measure.
Washington is one of the most storied franchises in football, in US sports, and among the most recognized NFL teams worldwide. However, the scandals, mismanagement, and on-field failures have seen them demoted from the league’s top table and replaced by exciting organizations that are far better run.
Couple this with Dan Snyder being outcast by the NFL in disgrace, and it’s not hard to see where the problems lie. But with the controversial billionaire soon to be a problem of the past, selling this new era in a positive light should arguably be the top priority.
Becoming a community asset, engaging with fans, and building momentum gradually is the best course of action. There’s a real opportunity here for Harris – something he clearly feels having shelled out $6.05 billion alongside Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson for the opportunity to take over the reins.
It might take some time for Washington’s reputation to restore. Then again, with Snyder out of the equation, the Commanders could enhance their status much sooner if everyone gets on the same page quickly.