Denver, Washington, D.C., 17 May, 2023 – A team from global law firm Hogan Lovells has helped guide a consortium led by Josh Harris in the acquisition of the NFL’s Washington Commanders for a reported US$6.05 billion, the highest value sports franchise transaction in U.S. history.
Josh Harris is an investor, business leader and philanthropist whose career spans private equity, sports, entertainment, impact and more. He is the Founder of 26North, a next-generation, multi-asset class alternatives platform. Josh is also the Founder and Managing General Partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), a leading sports & entertainment platform that includes the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, among other marquee assets. Josh is also a General Partner of the Crystal Palace Football Club in the Premier League. Earlier, he co-founded and spent more than 30 years at Apollo Global Management.
The Harris consortium comprises several new owners local to the Washington area, and numerous high-profile individuals including NBA legend Magic Johnson, former Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt, and David Blitzer, Blackstone executive and Co-Founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment.
The consortium won an auction for the Commanders, which had been put up for sale by previous owners Dan and Tanya Snyder. The purchase has been agreed with the current owners and is subject to approval from the league and team owners.
Speaking on the successful conclusion of the auction and purchase process, Harris, who grew up in nearby Chevy Chase, MD, commented: “I want to express how excited we are to be considered by the NFL to be the next owners of the Washington Commanders and how committed we are to delivering a championship-caliber franchise for this city and its fanbase.”
