The Washington Commanders‘ sale could go in a whole another direction. Dan Snyder was ready to sell the team to Josh Harris for $6.05 billion but a twist has possibly thrown the future of the sale in disarray. A higher bid is still in play, despite reports suggesting that the Harris deal was finalized. According to WUSA9, sources close to the deal have revealed that the higher bid could still overthrow first internet millionaire Harris’s bid, and the first black owner of an NFL team could emerge.
On Thursday afternoon it was reported that Dan Snyder had agreed in principle to sell the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and the New Jersey Devils hockey team. But Snyder seems to be contemplating the stunning $7 billion cash offer from a DC native, who made quite the case for black ownership in the NFL.
Who could be the NFL’s first black team owner?
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According to a report by Darren M. Haynes, former Duke basketball player Brian Davis has made a serious offer of $7 billion to buy the Commanders. The Commanders have received the bid and have access to the financial details of the offer. Bank of America will now investigate the source of the $7 billion cash that Brian Davis claims to have for the bid.
Update: The sale of the #Commanders to Josh Harris for $6.05B might not be finalized as previously reported.
A $7 billion cash offer by DC native Brian Davis was made to buy the team which would make him the NFL's first black owner, per @DarrenMHaynes https://t.co/9rnTuJGYkH pic.twitter.com/D3FYnJhPRR
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 16, 2023
David seems to have the ability to pay for the team in cash. The team’s current owner, Dan Snyder, and Bank of America, who is working with him, spoke with Davis They asked if Mr. Davis can still continue with his proposal, and mentioned that the deal involving Harris is not yet finalized.
Presently, the deal is still in negotiations. Josh Harris and Dan Snyder’s deal awaits official signing.
Bank of America asked Mr. Davis to provide financial information, which he submitted. In the documents, Mr. Davis stated that he could release $1 billion to Mr. Snyder within 24 hours and the rest in 7 days. Mr. Davis is also willing to indemnify Mr. Snyder as part of his offer.
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Davis’ offer letter for Washington Commanders
Davis, who wrote the offer letter to Dan Snyder, on March 21, believes that having African American ownership will be important for improving the local community in the Washington D.C. area.
He also mentioned that his company, Urban Echo Energy LLC, plans to use renewable energy in all their operations and community projects for the Commanders and aims to boost economic growth in the neighborhoods around the team’s stadium in the future. “There is a significant opportunity to enhance the existing fanbase.” – highlights the potential for expanding the fanbase of the Commanders, mentioned in the offer letter.
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The Washington Commanders have declined to comment on the matter. The initial bid was made on March 21st.
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