After the team issued a statement announcing the owner, Dan Snyder, will possibly be exploring a full or partial sale of the Commanders, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and rap mogul Jay-Z are reportedly looking into a partnership to purchase the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
Jay-Z has expressed "serious interest" in buying the Washington Commanders, per @TMZ, alongside a strategic partner.
Jeff Bezos, with ties to the area, is also interested in the team. pic.twitter.com/ocm0g4XnMh
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 3, 2022
According to the New York Post, Snyder and his wife, Tanya Snyder, have appointed Bank of America Securities ‘to consider potential transactions’ for the team in a statement released by the team on Wednesday.
Jay-Z has been involved with the NFL since a partnership agreement was signed in 2019 for the rapper to produce entertainment for events such as the Super Bowl halftime show and social justice initiatives. Forbes estimates that the Roc Nation Sports founder, who previously owned a stake in the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, is worth $1.3 billion.
Bezos, who owns the Washington Post and has an estimated net worth of $114 billion, is said to be the fourth-richest man in the world. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Video is currently in its first season of broadcasting “Thursday Night Football,” as part of an 11-year, $11 billion deal with the NFL.
According to Front Office Sports, the Snyders “remain committed to the team, all of its employees, and its countless fans to putting the best product on the field and continuing the work to set the gold standard for NFL workplaces.”
“We are exploring all options,” a spokesperson for the Commanders told sources, according to New York Post.
The Washington Commanders is reportedly worth $5.6 billion, and Bezos is the clear favorite, according to sources.
Snyder’s potential removal comes amid five active investigations since he purchased the team in 1999 for around $800 million, according to Front Office Sports. Under the NFL’s constitution and bylaws, however, 24 owners would need to vote to approve Snyder’s removal and sale of the team.
Byron Allen is also said to be in talks to purchase the Commanders.