Bezos, Jay-Z, Byron Allen Among Potential Commanders Buyers: Report

ASHBURN, VA — Several potential buyers have emerged for the embattled Washington Commanders, according to recent reports from the Washington Post and Bloomberg.com.

The Washington Post reported that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and music mogul Jay-Z, both billionaires, may combine for a bid. Meanwhile, Byron Allen is building his own group of investors to bid on the franchise.

Allen came to prominence in the 1990s as a television host. He would later become the founder of Entertainment Studios, which owns the Weather Channel and regional Fox Sports networks. Forbes estimated that Allen's media empire is worth several billion dollars.

On Wednesday, the Washington Commanders confirmed that owner Dan Snyder has employed Bank of America securities to handle a potential sale of the NFL franchise. Snyder could choose to sell a minority stake or the entire franchise.

"We are exploring all options," a Commanders spokesperson told several reporters.

• Read more: Dan Snyder To Consider Potential Sale Of Washington Commanders

Bezos has several ties to the Washington, D.C., region, while Jay-Z and Allen have experience bidding for professional sports franchises.

Bezos owns the Washington Post, space exploration company Blue Origin and Amazon is working on building a second headquarters in Northern Virginia under his leadership.

Jay-Z was previously a minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets before selling his shares in 2013. Allen bid on the Denver Broncos when the team was up for sale earlier this year. Walmart heir Rob Walton became the principal owner of the Broncos for $4.65 billion.

On Wednesday, Forbes reported that Snyder has received calls from at least four groups who would be interested in purchasing the franchise.

Bookies.com has posted odds on who will be the primary owner of the Commanders at the start of the 2023 season. Snyder is still the favorite with odds of +200, with Bezos not far behind at +225. Other frontrunners include former Washington Nationals owner Ted Lerner and current Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer.

In August, Forbes estimated that the Commanders were worth $5.6 billion, ranking sixth among the NFL's 32 teams. Snyder purchased the Commanders in 1999 for $800 million after the death of former owner Jack Kent Cooke.

Snyder's tenure has been embroiled with controversy, especially since 2020. Most recently, a fellow NFL owner told reporters the league needed to consider removing Snyder after accusations of sexual misconduct, financial impropriety, and a hostile workplace.

Snyder is currently being investigated by the NFL and the House Committee on Oversight and Reform. The results of both investigations are still pending.

Related:

• Commanders Under Investigation For 'Financial Improprieties': ESPN
• Dan Snyder Has Dirt To 'Blow Up' NFL Owners, Commissioner
• Removing Dan Snyder Should Be Considered, Fellow NFL Owner Says
• Commanders Owner Dan Snyder Accused Of Sexual Assault
• Washington Football Team Fined $10M After NFL Investigation

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