New Washington Commanders owners ‘could change the franchise name to erase any part of the Dan Snyder legacy’

The new Washington Commanders owners could look to change the name of the franchise following the $6.05 billion sale, according to a report. 

The $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders to the Josh Harris-led consortium was approved by the rest of the NFL owners Thursday.

It brings Dan Snyder’s long-running ownership – one of the most turbulent in the league – to an end. But the new owners could already be looking to shake things up. 

The incoming ownership group includes Harris, who also owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, as well as Los Angeles Lakers legend and Dodgers co-owner, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson.

And, the group could look to rename the organization after taking charge, according to ESPN’s Don Van Natta Jr.

New Washington Commanders owners (pictured right: Josh Harris) could change the name

Washington fans gather at the 2023 NFL Draftwith a banner reading, ‘Commanders’

‘I think there’s a pretty good chance of that to erase any part of the Snyder legacy to have a complete do-over,’ Natta Jr. said, when asked if the change was a possibility, while appearing on the Rich Eisen Show. 

‘I would not be surprised at all, Rich, to see a name change and a complete rebranding.’

The change could mark the beginning of a clean slate for the Commanders following the Snyder ownership. 

Snyder, who was fined $60 million by the NFL Thursday after an investigation into allegations of misconduct and financial improprieties, faced many controversies during his tenure. 

Throughout Snyder’s tenure, the team was criticized for its now-former nickname, the Redskins, which is considered offensive to Native Americans.

Snyder fought the change for years, but Washington finally dropped the ‘Redskins’ name in 2020 under a wave scrutiny amid the George Floyd protests.

That change – first to the placeholder ‘Washington Football Team’ and then to ‘Commanders’ – also angered many fans and conservatives. 

The change could mark the beginning of a clean slate following the ownership of Dan Snyder

Snyder became wealthy in the 1990s after selling his communications firm to a French advertising conglomerate in a $2 billion deal.

The long-time Redskins fan splurged $800 million for the club in 1999, but failed to build a successful culture in Washington amid battles with executives, minority partners, local government officials, the NFL, media and, most of all, disgruntled fans. 

Whereas the Redskins were perennial contenders throughout the 60s, 70s, 80s, and into the early 1990s, Snyder’s erratic decisions led to instability and massive turnover. 

The team had 27 starting quarterbacks during the Snyder era, as well as 10 head coaches and a .427 winning percentage.