Josh Harris’ Commanders Takeover Only Weeks Away

Josh Harris will have the keys to the Washington Commanders by the start of training camp after his group agreed to purchase the franchise for a worldwide record last month. 

The NFL finance committee was confident enough in its review of the $6.05 billion deal to schedule a July 20 special meeting where owners will meet to vote on the transaction, a source confirmed to Front Office Sports. 

There’s close to zero chance that Harris won’t reach the 24-vote threshold for approval. By the time the Commanders begin training camp on July 27, Dan Snyder’s turbulent 24-year reign will be officially over, as the transaction becomes final in the days after the vote — barring any unforeseen setbacks. 

Harris and Blitzer will have a few months to sell their 5% stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers after the vote. Dave Tepper’s purchase of the Carolina Panthers was approved in 2018 before he sold his slice of the Steelers. 

No Immediate Changes Planned

When Harris and business partner David Blitzer took over the Philadelphia 76ers in 2011 and the New Jersey Devils in 2013, there weren’t major immediate changes to the front office or coaching staff. 

The same approach is expected with the Commanders, making major changes unlikely until after the 2023 season.

“There’s going to be a really thoughtful analysis before implementing strategies — both on and off the field — that can help build a sustainable long-term winner,” a source close to the incoming ownership group told FOS.