Jeff Bezos wants to buy the NFL franchise Washington Commanders: Why won’t Dan Snyder sell?
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder had been looking to sell the team, but he is reportedly not interested in entertaining a prospective buyer.
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder hired the Bank of America last year to explore the possibility of selling part or all of the team. Forbes valued the franchise at $5.6 billion in August 2022, and Snyder, who has owned the team since 1999, reportedly wants to sell it for $7 billion.
Initial bids that were simply non-binding indications of interest were submitted before the official round of bids begins in a few weeks. None of the unofficial bids went higher than $6.3 billion.
READ ALSO:
- Two possible teams for Jimmy Garoppolo
- Russell Wilson denies allegedly asking for Pete Carroll’s firing
- From NFL to Pokemon: A game change
Bezos interested in the Commanders
The Washington Post recently reported that one of the richest people in the world, Jeff Bezos, was interested in buying the team. Bezos, who can certainly afford the considerable asking price, is said to have hired the investment firm Allen & Company to look into procuring the franchise.
However, reports indicate that Snyder is not interested in selling the Commanders to the billionaire. JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington says that sources told him that “the Snyder family has absolutely no interest in selling to Bezos.”
Not only was I told Bezos didn’t submit a bid, I’ve had people tell me the Snyder family has absolutely no interest in selling to Bezos.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) January 15, 2023
The Post’s coverage of Snyder
This could stem from Amazon founder being the owner of the Post, whom Snyder possibly believes to have initiated stories that showed him in an unfavorable light, which could pave the way for Bezos to buy the team.
Jeff Bezos owns the Washington Post.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) February 25, 2023
Dan Snyder reportedly "holds a grudge" against Bezos, as the Post has published stories on Snyder's toxic workplace culture at the Washington Commanders.
Now, although Bezos wants to enter the auction for the team, Snyder won't let him. pic.twitter.com/TGWgcrnc4D
Snyder under investigation
Snyder had been subjected to an investigation by the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Reform for allegations of workplace misconduct and financial irregularities.
For the moment, the probe into the Commanders owner has been quiet, pending the team’s possible change of ownership. However, the investigation can be revived at any time, and depending on what the findings are, they could potentially force the hand of Snyder, and result in the franchise’s sale.