Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos and rapper Jay-Z could soon join forces to buy the Washington Commanders. The billionaires are reportedly considering options to purchase the team in a joint venture from current owner Dan Snyder, who is selling the team amid allegations of workplace harassment and financial improprieties.
Bezos has long been rumored to be interested in purchasing a number of sports teams, including the Phoenix Suns earlier this year. The businessman’s interest in the Commanders seems more natural, however, as it is nearby his residence in Washington D.C.
Unlike his potential partner, Jay-Z is familiar with the sports market as a minority owner of the Brooklyn Nets. The musical artist and producer would likely serve a similar role in a partnership with Bezos, as he has both the funds and name recognition to significantly bolster a bid to purchase the team.
If Bezos wanted to purchase a sports team, it’s difficult to imagine that anyone could outbid him on an individual basis, but management groups could compete by pooling time and resources toward securing attention from current ownership. As a result, forming a partnership with a celebrity like Jay-Z could help both businessmen’s chances of acquiring the franchise.
When Snyder first acquired the team in 1999, he and his partners paid $800 million, but a litany of accusations between 2019 and 2021, including sexual harassment, racism, hostile employment practices and fraud, have virtually forced Snyder to consider selling. Forbes reported earlier this year that the team is now worth $5.6 billion.
Beyond Bezos and his potential partners, Byron Allen appears to be one of the few serious bidders at this point. Allen is a businessman and media executive who used to work in comedy, and if he were to gain ownership of the Commanders, he would become the first black team owner in the NFL.
