The Washington Commanders are a publicly owned professional American football team based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The franchise competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the NFC East Division. The Commanders are one of the oldest teams in the league, known for their passionate fan base and storied history, including multiple Super Bowl championships.
Founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves (later renamed the Washington Redskins), the franchise was purchased in 2023 by an investment group led by Josh Harris. As of October 2025, Josh Harris serves as the Managing Partner and Principal Owner of the team.
Ownership Status of Washington Commanders
There is no single private owner of the Washington Commanders. The team is owned by a consortium of investors led by Josh Harris, who holds the controlling stake. The Commanders’ ownership is structured through an investment group that includes several high-profile business leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Major Shareholders
| Shareholder / Entity | Ownership Role / Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Harris | Managing Partner / Controlling Owner | Co-founder of Apollo Global Management; also owns Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and New Jersey Devils (NHL). |
| Mitch Rales | Limited Partner | Billionaire industrialist and co-founder of Danaher Corporation. |
| Earvin “Magic” Johnson | Limited Partner | Former NBA legend and prominent businessman. |
| David Blitzer | Limited Partner | Co-owner with Harris of 76ers, Devils, and Crystal Palace FC. |
| Mark Ein, Lee Ainslie, Eric Holoman, Eric Schmidt, Marc Lipschultz, and others | Limited Partners | Business leaders and investors contributing to the group. |
Note: The remaining ownership shares are held by institutional investors and minority partners within the Harris-led group.
About the Owner — Josh Harris
Josh Harris is an American billionaire investor, sports team owner, and philanthropist. He is best known as the Managing Partner and Principal Owner of the Washington Commanders, and the co-founder of Apollo Global Management, one of the world’s largest alternative investment firms.
Born on December 4, 1964, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Harris graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and later earned his MBA from Harvard Business School. Over his decades-long career, he has built a reputation as a strategic investor with a strong interest in sports, finance, and community development.
Before acquiring the Washington Commanders in 2023, Harris had already established himself as a major figure in global sports ownership. He co-owns the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and the New Jersey Devils (NHL) through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), alongside long-time partner David Blitzer. Harris also holds a minority stake in the English Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Outside of sports, Harris is deeply involved in philanthropy through the Harris Philanthropies Foundation, which focuses on education, youth programs, and community development. His leadership style is often described as analytical and long-term oriented, emphasizing sustainable success and integrity in both business and team culture.
Josh Harris’s Net Worth
According to Forbes, as of June 2025, Josh Harris’s net worth is estimated at about USD 10 billion. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index places his wealth at approximately USD 11.8 billion around the same time frame. Much of his fortune arises from his stake in Apollo Global Management, the investment firm he co-founded in 1990, where he owns a significant share. Beyond that, his equity holdings in major sports franchises (the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and now the Washington Commanders) and investments in real estate and alternative assets contribute substantially to his overall wealth.
Key Shareholder Highlights
- Josh Harris — The central figure of ownership, Harris acquired the Commanders in July 2023 for $6.05 billion, marking the most expensive sale in NFL history. His experience with other professional sports franchises brings a strong management background to the Commanders organization.
- Magic Johnson — His involvement added significant cultural and business appeal to the ownership group. Johnson’s influence is often seen in community engagement and brand development.
- Mitch Rales — A local D.C. businessman, Rales brings both financial power and local pride, emphasizing community investment.
Together, these stakeholders aim to restore the Commanders’ reputation, improve team performance, and modernize the franchise infrastructure.
Recent Developments in Ownership
- In July 2023, the NFL officially approved the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder to the Josh Harris Group.
- In April 2025, the Harris-led ownership announced a $3.7 billion stadium redevelopment project at the RFK Stadium site in Washington, D.C., aiming to return the franchise to the capital city by 2030.
- Harris and his team have confirmed that the “Commanders” name will remain unchanged, focusing instead on improving fan experience and performance culture.
These developments symbolize a fresh era of accountability and rebuilding for the Commanders after years of controversy under former owner Dan Snyder.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of the Washington Commanders?
The Washington Commanders are owned by an investment group led by Josh Harris, who serves as the Managing Partner and controlling owner.
2. Is the Washington Commanders franchise privately or publicly owned?
It is a privately owned professional football franchise, with a consortium of private investors led by Josh Harris.
3. Who previously owned the Commanders?
The team was owned by Dan Snyder from 1999 until 2023 before being sold to Harris’ group.
4. How much did the Commanders sell for?
The franchise was sold for $6.05 billion, setting a record for the highest price ever paid for an NFL team.
5. Who are the other major investors in the ownership group?
Notable partners include Mitch Rales, Magic Johnson, David Blitzer, and several business executives like Eric Schmidt and Mark Ein.
6. Has there been any major change since the new ownership took over?
Yes, under Harris, the franchise has shifted focus toward new stadium development, fan engagement, and restoring organizational integrity.
Washington Commanders Official Site
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