There is growing tension around the NFL regarding whether or not Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder will sell the team or be removed from his post. Many owners believed there was merit to remove him, while others felt it was setting a tenuous precedent that they might not want to set.
However, the latest report from NFL reporter Tom Pelissero suggests that they may not even have to force Snyder to sell. Amidst all the pressure and rumors, the Washington boss has reportedly hired a company to consider potential transactions.
According to a statement from the franchise itself, the Snyders have begun taking the first step in selling their team:
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"Dan and Tanya Snyder and the Washington Commanders announced today that they have hired BofA [Bank of America] Securities to consider potential transactions. The Snyders remain committed to the team, all of its employees and its countless fans to putting the best product on the field and continuing to set the gold standard for workplaces in the NFL."
Though they have not committed to selling the team, that is the surest sign of any yet that that is where this situation is headed.
According to Forbes, Snyder has already received four calls about buying the team.
When will the Washington Commanders be sold?
Selling an NFL franchise takes a long time. While Commanders fans and NFL people who wanted Snyder out can breathe a bit of a sigh of relief, the process has only just begun.
It takes time to hire the companies, file the paperwork and go through all the potential buyers to find the right one. This could take the entire rest of the season. It's possible that, even though he intends on selling, Snyder could be the owner into the next season.
Many suitors will pop up during that time, especially those that have waited to own an NFL team for so long. Team sales don't happen all that often, so everyone will want to be considered for the Commanders.
That may prolong the process, one that already takes a while. One thing is true, though, and that is that it appears Snyder has finally conceded defeat in his long-running battle with the NFL.
Could Dan Snyder stay on as a minority owner? Washington Commanders considering multiple options
While Snyder and co have technically put the franchise up for sale, one that was valued at a massive $5.6 billion by Forbes, it might not be the last the leagues sees of the current franchise owner.
According to Forbes, the Commanders owner and his bankers are reportedly exploring all options, be it a sale of the complete franchise, or that of a minority stake.
In the case of the latter, Snyder would stay on as owner, though his ownership stake will be diluted just a touch.