Washington Commanders sale permitted by NFL homeowners, ending Snyder’s run
NFL homeowners unanimously voted Thursday to ratify the sale of the Washington Commanders, formally welcoming Josh Harris to their ranks whereas bidding farewell to his controversial predecessor, Daniel Snyder.
The long-awaited vote at a Minnesota resort got here hours after the league’s finance committee endorsed the sale-and-purchase settlement, which was first publicly announced in May. League bylaws required that at the least 24 of 32 homeowners approve the deal.
Shortly after the sale was permitted, the NFL stated in an announcement that it was fining Snyder $60 million following an investigation by former U.S. Legal professional Mary Jo White substantiated claims that he sexually harassed a former worker and that the staff intentionally underreported revenues to the league.
Whereas the monetary phrases haven’t been introduced, a number of information shops – together with USA TODAY Sports activities – have reported it’s value $6.05 billion, the biggest price ticket ever for a North American sports activities staff.
“Congratulations to Josh Harris and his spectacular group of companions. Josh shall be an important addition to the NFL,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated in an announcement. “He has a outstanding document in enterprise, sports activities, and in his communities. The varied group that Josh has put collectively is excellent for its enterprise acumen and robust Washington ties and we welcome them to the NFL as properly.
The homeowners’ approval had lengthy been anticipated, although The Washington Post reported that there have been authorized points that wanted to be labored via following the Could announcement. The newspaper reported Monday that the NFL and Snyder reached an unspecified decision on these points in current weeks.
Thursday’s information ensures the Commanders may have new possession as they embark on a brand new season, with the beginning of coaching camp slated for subsequent Tuesday.
It additionally marks the formal finish of Snyder’s reign in Washington, which spanned 24 seasons and featured a number of controversies and scandals – together with a string of investigations associated to allegations of sexual harassment, monetary impropriety a poisonous office tradition inside the staff.
A type of probes, commissioned by the NFL and led by Mary Jo White, is inspecting allegations from a former staff worker that Snyder made undesirable “sexual advances” towards her at a staff perform, which he denies. That investigation is ongoing, and the league has promised to launch a written report detailing its findings. It’s unclear when the NFL will launch that report, or whether or not Snyder’s sale of the staff will alter that timeline.
The incoming possession group is led by Harris, 58, who now owns groups in three of the 4 main American sports activities leagues, together with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. The Maryland native serves as the general public entrance of a gaggle that additionally options greater than a dozen minority companions, together with billionaire Mitchell Rales and NBA legend Magic Johnson.
Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.