Tuesday October 3, 2023

Josh Harris’ Commanders Makeover Has Only Just Begun

  • Opening-day sellout, $40 million in stadium upgrades latest achievements for Harris
  • Once-embattled team has continued a period of rebirth in new ownership
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

NBC is exploring broadcasting a slice of the expanded CFP in 2026.
Listen Now
October 3, 2023 | Podcast
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

The closer he gets to the start of the 2023 NFL regular season, the more new Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is doing things his embattled predecessor, Dan Snyder, couldn’t or wouldn’t.

Capping off what has already been a reinvigorating preseason, the team said it has sold out its season opener Sept. 10 at FedEx Field against Arizona. Normally, an NFL sellout would hardly be news — the league overall sells about 97% of its available tickets, and some teams have years-long waiting lists for tickets. 

But since the Commanders ranked last in NFL attendance in 2022 and next-to-last in 2021 — and have had their home stadium routinely taken over by visiting fans — this is still a significant step.

More Signs Of Change

FedEx Field, one of the NFL’s most poorly regarded stadiums under Snyder, will also get a $40 million upgrade to address a long history of neglect.

Those moves are just the latest in what has been a rapid commercial rebirth for the Commanders under Harris. Just since July, the team has seen resurgent momentum in its long, frustrating pursuit of a new stadium, as well as heightened sponsorship sales and standing-room-only crowds for practices.

There has been one possible headache for Harris, however: the team’s name.

Harris said upon closing the acquisition that any consideration of changing the Commanders name isn’t an immediate priority — not a surprise given the franchise’s more pressing needs. Still, speculation of another rebranding persists. 

Former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann said last week that he thinks a name change is forthcoming in order to further distance the franchise from the Snyder era. That change, should it happen, will definitely not be a return to the Commanders’ controversial former name, team president Jason Wright said.

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bayern Munich

Real Madrid Rejects $137M League Deal Over Media Access

The La Liga club is not offering extra media access.

Barclays Center Finances Struggling In Competitive NY Arena Market

Brooklyn venue faces fierce competition in crowded New York market

Messi Business Still Growing Despite Inter Miami's Slim Playoff Hopes

Season ticket demand for 2024 is reportedly skyrocketing.

MLB Expansion Suitors Grow, Even Without Formal Process

Montreal, Raleigh amplify their pitches for new MLB team
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

NBC Could Get In On College Football Playoffs

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

An advocacy group is filing an NLRB case against the Ivy League over athlete compensation.

Advocacy Group Files Federal Labor Charge Against Ivy League

It’s the latest in a flurry of NLRB cases over amateurism.
The Colorado Buffaloes played in the most-watched game of Week 5.
October 3, 2023

Colorado Ratings Bonanza Continues Despite Two Consecutive Losses

The Buffs’ least-watched game this season was still the most-watched this week.
Football analyst and PFF investor Chris Collinsworth talks to man in front of computers
October 3, 2023

Cris Collinsworth 'Lost a Lot of Sleep' Over Pro Football Focus Leadership Issues

New book details why it’s no longer a “happy place to work.”
NBC is interested in media rights to the expanded College Football Playoff.
exclusive
October 2, 2023

NBC Is Interested in Expanded College Football Playoff Media Rights

NBC is one of the networks pitching the CFP, a source confirmed.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Chicago Cubs
Chicago
Fanatics
New York
Tri Star Sports and Entertainment Group, Inc.
USA - Multiple Locations

Ballmer Nears Decade-Long Reign As Richest Sports Owner

New team owners are unable crack list after setting records
A view of Manchester United stadium, Old Trafford
October 3, 2023

Manchester United Bidder Ratcliffe May Shift Focus To Minority Stake

The British billionaire had been seeking full control of the club.
September 30, 2023

Baltimore Looks To Return To The Oriole Way

Lease deal offers new hope, but market and economic challenges remain.
September 28, 2023

Orioles End Uncertainty With New 30-Year Lease Deal

New agreement follows more than three years of back-and-forth negotiations
September 28, 2023

AC Milan Abandons $1.3B Project For New 70,000-Seat Stadium

RedBird Capital-owned club continues path toward its own facility
September 28, 2023

Manfred Wants Vote On A's Move To Vegas In November

A's move will be just MLB's second franchise shift since 1971
Olympique-Lyonnais
September 27, 2023

French Soccer Club Lyon Seeking $300M Capital Raise

The club was sold for a record price last French year.
September 27, 2023

Magic Johnson Open To Knicks Minority Ownership Stake

Basketball Hall of Famer only interested in specific NBA franchise