• Loading stock data...
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Law

Lawsuits Unlikely to Derail Potential Commanders Sale

  • D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine filed his second civil compalint against the Commanders on Thursday.
  • Legal experts say lawsuit, pending investigations can be addressed without impacting potential sale.
Washington Commanders fans watch team while inside stadium
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Commanders were hit with their second lawsuit in as many weeks, although legal experts told Front Office Sports that neither civil complaint should hold up an expected sale of the franchise. 

The consumer protection lawsuit filed on Thursday by District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine alleges the team ran a “decades-long unlawful scheme” to hold back thousands worth of ticket deposits. 

The same office sued the Commanders — along with owner Dan Snyder, the NFL, and commissioner Roger Goodell — on Nov. 19 over allegations that they made efforts to impede hostile workplace investigations of the team. 

There are other ongoing investigations. 

  • The House Oversight Committee is expected to issue its final findings by year’s end. Rep. James Comer, who is in line to take over the committee, told FOS in a statement the investigation is ”over” when Republicans take over the House in January. 
  • Former SEC chair Mary Jo White, who is leading the second outside investigation into the team, has yet to issue her report. 
  • Maryland reached a settlement with the Commanders on Friday, but probes by Virginia and the Department of Justice remain ongoing.

Why It Won’t Likely Hinder Sale

“Any buyer will resolve all outstanding lawsuits and investigations before closing,” said attorney Howard Gutman, a former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, adding that “$7 billion has the ability to fix lots of things.”

Sports attorney Daniel Wallach agreed: “Even if it’s millions, which won’t happen, a multi-billion-dollar franchise sale means that neither side will sweat the exposure.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL

30 NFL Second-Rounders Still Unsigned With Camps Set to Open

Saturday is the earliest rookie report date for training camp.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.
Apr 6, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; The LIV Golf logo is on display along the 10th hole during the second round of LIV Golf Miami golf tournament at Trump National Doral.

LIV Golf’s New Leadership Reapplies for World Ranking Points

The league’s first attempt was denied in 2023.

Featured Today

Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
Caster Semenya

Caster Semenya’s Legal Win Could Reopen Fight Against Testosterone Limits

The Olympian champion’s appeal against gender eligibility rules continues.
May 9, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Sports are shown on TVs behind the bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in the Short North. Though there are no on-site betting windows, eligible customers can place bets through the DraftKings app.
July 3, 2025

PrizePicks Drops Suit Against Ex-Employee Who Left for DraftKings

The ex-employee still disputes the allegations.
A set of trading cards
July 9, 2025

Judge Rules Against Fanatics as Panini Case Gets Rancorous

A judge ordered Fanatics to turn over unredacted trading card licenses.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Wander Franco
June 26, 2025

Wander Franco Convicted of Child Sex Abuse, Receives 2-Year Suspended Sentence

Franco can avoid jail time but is unlikely to return to MLB.
Wimbledon
June 25, 2025

Players Suing Tennis Begin Negotiations With Grand Slams

They may add the Slams as defendants if talks fail in 90 days.
Dec 24, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) warms up before the game between the Browns and the New Orleans Saints at FirstEnergy Stadium
June 24, 2025

Unearthed NFL Arbitration Ruling Raises More Questions Than Answers

The NFL was cleared of collusion, but new questions have emerged.
Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome.
June 24, 2025

James Harden Sued for Negligence in Sexual Assault Case

Harden hosted the party where the alleged incident happened.