• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 11, 2024
The 2024 Best Employers in Sports Award winners have been announced! See the full list of winners

Owners Privately Expect Dan Snyder to Sell Commanders

  • Commanders owner did not attend league meeting.
  • Colts owner Jim Irsay changes tune from last quarterly session.
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder standing at podium talking to media
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

IRVING, Texas — Dan Snyder was again absent from the latest NFL owners meetings. 

There’s a growing sense among at least some of those here that the Washington Commanders owner wouldn’t have to worry about these quarterly quorums much longer.

There was less talk about removing Snyder as multiple ownership sources told Front Office Sports that they expect Snyder to follow through with a sale of at least a controlling interest in the franchise. 

“It certainly looks that way,” one owner who spoke on condition of anonymity. 

Publicly, the owners were more muted. That included longtime ally and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who told reporters outside a waiting black Lexus sedan that he “didn’t have any comment” about the Commanders. 

Messaging Audible

At the last league meetings in October, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said there was “merit” to removing Snyder. This process would require 24 votes and has never happened in league history. 

Irsay was more muted this time. 

“It’s going to take everyone in the league to have to push toward that,” Irsay said. “We will see where things move going into the New Year.

“The three-quarters vote has served the league well. There needs to be some time, maybe behind the scenes, and maybe some other solutions can be found.” 

Privately, some owners hope those “other solutions” would include Snyder selling the franchise.

The Commanders announced on November 2 that the team was “exploring all options,” including a full or partial sale of the franchise he purchased in 1999 for about $900 million. 

“I don’t have any expectations on that,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “Dan’s statement that he put out that he was exploring [a sale], and we will continue to work with him on that.”

It’s expected that Snyder could get at least $7 billion for a full sale of the team.

The Washington Post reported that Bank of America was moving forward with the sales process, although it’s still unclear whether it’s a full or partial sale. FOS reported last week that Snyder was considering selling 20% or less of the team — something that would be a non-starter for some owners. 

While it’s still unclear whether there are 24 votes to remove Snyder, one owner told FOS there might not be the three-quarters votes needed to approve a minority owner that would be required if Snyder finds one.

Brief Congressional Update

The owners were briefed on the House Oversight Committee’s final report of the Commanders, an investigation into the team that spanned more than a year. 

That briefing lasted less than five minutes, according to one owner.

There was no briefing on the status of May Jo White’s investigation, the second outside probe into the team that began last February. White is examining a claim of sexual harassment against Snyder and allegations of financial improprieties.

Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder looking upset while crossing arms on sideline of NFL game

Commanders Owner Dan Snyder Allowed Toxic Culture, Report Finds

A report cited Dan Snyder contributed to “a culture of fear” in…
December 8, 2022

 Snyder has denied both claims.

“Mary Jo has not been given a timeline,” Goodell said. “She’s got an awful lot of work to do on both of these investigations, and I’m not gonna press her to do that [faster]. She knows she has our full support, and she’s continuing to make progress, but when she’s done, she’ll let us know.”

Commanders co-CEO Tanya Snyder, the wife of Dan Snyder, represented the team again at the quarterly meeting. However, during the two-day event, she kept her distance from reporters — including several from Washington. 

FOS sought comment from Commanders lawyer Norman Chirite, who was seen alongside Tanya Snyder at the meetings. Chirite declined to comment. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 20, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie pre game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.

Bills, Eagles, Dolphins Approve Adding New Minority Owners

Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady join the list of Bills owners.
Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) walks to the locker room after the game of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Texans held off the Jaguars 23-20.

NFL, Nike Extend Uniform, Apparel Partnership Through 2038

Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.
Tilman Fertitta

Rockets Owner Tilman Fertitta in Line for Trump Appointment, Wants to Buy..

Fertitta had given hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trump.
Joe Tsai

NFL Owners Set to Vote on Dolphins, Bills Stakes for Tsai, Carter,..

The deals are likely to be approved at the owners meetings in Dallas.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion
December 7, 2024

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.

Soto Contract Echoes 2000 A-Rod Deal. Could Similar Fallout Follow?

The record-setting Soto deal recalls A-Rod 24 years ago.
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.
December 6, 2024

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.
Iowa’s Kate Martin waves to the crowd during a celebration of the Iowa women’s basketball team Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.
December 6, 2024

WNBA’s Valkyries Assemble Roster With Fan Favorite Kate Martin

It’s the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Dec 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Ar'Darius Washington (29) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) on the one yard line during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium.
December 5, 2024

NFL Relaxes Drug Policy by Reducing Fines and Resetting Violation Clocks

It makes it harder to test positive for marijuana and reduces fines.
From left, Jeeno Thitikul, of Thailand, Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, and Yan Liu, of the Republic of China, walk onto the first green during the Kroger Queen City Classic in Cincinnati on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.
December 4, 2024

LPGA Alters Transgender Player Policy, At Least One Player Barred

The new rules disqualify a current transgender golfer, Hailey Davidson.
December 4, 2024

WNBA Expansion Draft Drama: Picks Will Be Revealed, Not Player Pool

Only the final selections of the Golden State Valkyries will be revealed.
December 4, 2024

Toronto Tempo Announced Day After WNBA Leaked Team Name

Screenshots circulated on X of the team name on the WNBA’s website.