Magic Johnson happy to join Commanders sale
The Washington Commander is adding some much-needed magic to his organization.
NBA legend Magic Johnson was thrilled to be part of the sale of the Washington Commanders, in which he is taking over as co-owner following the exit of Dan Snyder.
In a statement on his Twitter, the five-time NBA champion beamed with joy after the Josh Harris-led group was unanimously approved by the league on Thursday.
“God is so good…I still can’t believe it! I am currently living in an answered prayer,” Johnson wrote, “Ever since starting my journey as an athlete and now as a businessman and team owner, it has all been a dream come true. I grew up playing football as a kid, I’m a huge NFL fan and I watch the games every week. Now, I get to co-own a prestigious franchise, the Washington Commanders.
Johnson continued to praise Harris, owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, as “a wonderful person, a great friend” and “first class”.
“Our ownership team is committed to bringing a winning team and the best organization to the DC, Maryland and Virginia community and fanbase,” Johnson said.
The Lakers great also expressed his enthusiasm for continuing to be an active member of the local community.
“This is truly the greatest achievement of my professional career and a historic moment for the entire black community. Talk about God’s perfect timing,” Johnson said.
“Given its global appeal, history of wins and diverse fan base and DMV community, it was the right organization for me to be a part of.”
This isn’t Johnson’s first foray into team ownership: he also has a minority stake in the Los Angeles Dodgers as a part of Guggenheim Baseball Management, which purchased the team in 2012.
The 63-year-old also has stakes in the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA and Los Angeles FC of the MLS.
It’s safe to say that Commanders fans are ready for a breath of fresh air after a 24-year tenure under Snyder in which the team didn’t win a Super Bowl or conference championship and was mired in owner controversy.
Minutes after the sale was finalized, the NFL announced it was fining Snyder $60 million following an investigation into sexual harassment claims made against the owner.
The league also fined the Commanders $10 million in 2021 for toxic workplace claims.
Snyder is also being investigated by Virginia federal investigators, involving a $55 million loan he took out without his partners knowing.
The Commanders, three-time Super Bowl champions, have only made the playoffs three times in the last 10 years.
