Founding and Original Ownership of the Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins franchise was originally founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves, a member of the National Football League. The team was initially owned by George Preston Marshall, a Boston-based businessman who controlled the franchise from its entry into the NFL. Marshall later renamed the team the Boston Redskins before relocating the franchise to Washington, D.C., in 1937, where it became known as the Washington Redskins Forbes.
George Preston Marshall remained the controlling owner of the Washington Redskins for decades, making him the central figure in the franchise's early history. Under Marshall's ownership, the team became the last NFL franchise to integrate Black players, a policy that lasted until 1962 under pressure from the federal government ESPN.
George Preston Marshall's Ownership Era and Business Influence
Control, Stadium Deals, and League Power
Marshall used his ownership to shape league policies, including the creation of the team's marching band and fight song, which became iconic symbols of the franchise. He also leveraged his influence to secure favorable stadium deals and broadcast arrangements that strengthened the team's financial position Britannica.
Financial Legacy and Franchise Valuation
By the time Marshall sold the team in 1969, the Washington Redskins had become one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL. His business decisions laid the groundwork for the franchise's later commercial success, including stadium naming rights and national television deals.
Transition of Ownership After Marshall
Sale to Edward Bennett Williams and Later Buyers
George Preston Marshall sold the Washington Redskins in 1969 to Edward Bennett Williams, a prominent Washington, D.C., attorney and sports executive. Williams later transferred ownership to Jack Kent Cooke, who led the franchise through its Super Bowl victories and stadium construction projects.
Modern Ownership Structure and Current Control
The franchise is currently controlled by the Snyder family, with Daniel Snyder having purchased the team in 1999. The team was later rebranded as the Washington Commanders in 2022 following a sale to a group led by Josh Harris, a private equity investor and former NFL player SEC.