There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Washington Commanders now that Dan Snyder is no longer the team’s owner. The excitement isn’t only with the fans but also within the organization.
Commanders team president Jason Wright has not been shy about the new energy over the team with the ownership change. During Wsahington’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wright boasted, “We’re back” on the team’s broadcast, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
“We’re back. We’re back… It’s night and day — in the business and what you see on the field and, more importantly, the fans. They are back together and unified once again.”
There had been a dark cloud hovering over the franchise in recent years. Several factors contributed, including the on-field product and the team’s name change in 2020. However, fans grew more tiresome of the losses as the off-field antics piled up under Snyder.
The Commanders became an embarrassment at the hands of Snyder. Recent allegations of workplace misconduct against Snyder, including sexual harassment, made it a challenge to support and do business with the team. Sponsors backed away. Fans diminished as the Commanders sunk to last in-home NFL attendance in 2022.
Snyder ultimately sold the team following pressure primarily from other NFL owners. The team’s sale was made official in late July to Josh Harris and his investor’s group, who include basketball legend Magic Johnson.
There’s been an immediate change for the team business-wise. Upgrades have been made at the team’s practice facility and home stadium — FedEx Field — since Harris took over as majority owner.
Sponsors are coming back. Recently, the Commanders landed deals with Verizon and Anheuser-Busch. Even the city’s MLB franchise, the Nationals, is now working with the Commanders.
There’s a change brewing in the air for the Washington Commanders who have hyped fans. The new ownership has a lot of areas to tackle. But it’s evident Harris and company are fully committed to turning around the organization and the perception that’s followed.
