Josh Harris group submits $6 billion offer for Commanders

PHOENIX — Dan Snyder’s asking price has reportedly been met. 

The Josh Harris-led group has submitted a formal bid for the Washington Commanders, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. And according to ESPN, the “fully financed” offer is worth the $6 billion Snyder has been seeking for the franchise. 

Harris’ group includes backers such as Maryland billionaire Mitchell Rales and NBA legend Magic Johnson. Harris, who also owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, has been long mentioned as a suitor for the Commanders. A minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harris also attempted to purchase the Denver Broncos last year before the team was sold to Walmart heir Rob Walton for $4.65 billion.

The news of Harris’ offer comes as NFL owners’ meetings are set to conclude. The topic of a potential Commanders sale was not officially on the league’s agenda for these gatherings, but multiple owners weighed in publicly about the subject. 

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said there would be no resolution regarding a possible deal at this week’s meetings, while Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay cast doubt about whether an agreement would be reached by the time owners next meet again in May. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft expressed optimism that a deal was “close to happening,” but noted he was not entirely sure. 

Irsay said owners have been largely left in the dark so far about the developments of any deal.

“The information is very little to none in terms of the 31 of us and really, probably even the league office,” Irsay said. “Right now, the sale process is being run by them … Really, this hasn’t been anything where we’re being informed on anything yet, on any aspect from the report that’s supposed to come in as well as where the sale process stands.” 

Irsay said he hopes Snyder would reach a deal that’s “normal and acceptable,” telling reporters that Snyder’s reported request for indemnification was a nonstarter for fellow owners. Snyder has reportedly asked for owners to cover any future legal costs as part of a sale, though the team has denied that is true. 

If Snyder accepts Harris’ $6 billion offer, the deal would set a record for a purchase of a professional sports team. Snyder purchased the Washington Redskins in 1999 for $800 million. 

A Harris spokesperson declined to comment.