Sixers owner Josh Harris to acquire Commanders from Dan Snyder

NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL’s New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris has reportedly reached an agreement with Dan Snyder to sell the Washington Commanders, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Both sides released a joint statement Friday and the sale was predicted to reach a record of $6.05 billion, according to inside sources.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for the sale of the Commanders franchise with Josh Harris, an area native, and his impressive group of partners,” Dan and his wife, Tanya, said in the statement. “We look forward to the prompt completion of this transaction and to rooting for Josh and the team in the coming years.”

Harris led a consortium, including NBA legend Magic Johnson, Danaher Corporation founder Mitch Rales, and their partners to acquire the Commanders from the Snyder family.

“On behalf of our entire ownership group – including Mitch Rales, my longtime sports business partner David Blitzer and Earvin Magic Johnson, 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,” Harris said.

Waiting for NFL’s decision

NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the league would take a look at the details of Harris’ proposal.

“League staff and the finance committee will review details of the proposed Washington transaction,” McCarthy said. “Any transaction needs to be voted upon by the full membership with 24 of 32 votes needed to approve the sale.”

NFL owners will meet in Minnesota later this month, but the meeting will only provide them with an update on the situation, while they are waiting for an official vote. The vote itself is expected to take place in the following months, according to Associated Press’ Stephen Whyno.

The Commanders’ deal sets a new record for the largest deal for a North American professional sports franchise history, exceeding Walmart heir Robert Walton’s $4.55 billion purchase of the Denver Broncos last year.