Tanya Snyder, the wife of Daniel Snyder, has been named co-CEO of the Washington Football Team. The news of the team’s decision was first reported by The Wall Street Journal. She becomes one of a few women chief executives in the National Football League.
Having a woman in a position of power in a league that is dominated by men is certainly a step that needs to be celebrated. However, the timing of the move could be attributed to two peculiar situations for the team, according to Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske of The Washington Post.
One, some believe Tanya Snyder’s appointment is an attempt take focus off the league’s investigation and other negative headlines involving the team.
Multiple people familiar with the situation offered differing explanations for the possible motivations behind the move. One of those said it is in line with a public relations effort by the team and league to take the focus off the sexual harassment allegations, the league’s investigation, the recently resolved ownership dispute and Daniel Snyder’s 22-year ownership.
Another aspect is the move could be a step ahead of the NFL’s findings from their investigation that was launched last year:
Others said it is a maneuver that could provide leadership continuity if Daniel Snyder is suspended by the NFL as a result of its investigation.
Nonetheless, Tanya Snyder has been involved recently in the team’s high-level decisions. That includes the hiring of Jason Wright as the league’s first Black team president last August. She’s also been a familiar face in the team’s charitable efforts. She also founded the Women of Washington. Plus, helped launch THINK-PINK, campaign for breast cancer awareness which she is a survivor.
Since Wright’s hiring as well as head coach Ron Rivera in January 2020, Washington has undergone a organizational restructure. The team is trying to restore its negative image that has followed Dan Snyder since purchasing the team in 1999.
Snyder recently was approved by the league for a $450 debt waiver to purchase the remaining 40% of the team from three minority owners after an ugly dispute over ownership.
In addition to the league’s investigation of at least 15 allegations of sexual harassment from team officials, including Dan Snyder, the Washington Football Team is undergoing a re-branding that will include a new team name. Washington dropped its old moniker and logos last year that were deemed racist against indigenous people following the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police.
Washington is expected to announce a new team name before the 2022 season. Tanya Snyder will surely help with the re-branding process. She has already reportedly been involved in efforts for a new stadium for the team.
