Current Ownership Structure and Key Figures
The Washington Redskins are currently owned by a limited liability company controlled by Josh Harris, who led a group that purchased the franchise in 2023. The ownership entity is Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, a private holding company that also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. The purchase price for the team was reported at approximately $6.05 billion, making it one of the most expensive sports transactions ever completed. The deal was financed through a combination of equity and debt, with Harris and his partners providing the majority of the capital. The group includes several limited partners, though the exact ownership percentages remain private and are not disclosed in public filings. For details on the transaction structure, see the official announcement from the team and related financial coverage here.
Josh Harris serves as the controlling owner and chairman of the franchise, while other members of the ownership group include prominent investors from finance, technology, and sports. The ownership entity operates under a standard NFL ownership model, where the league requires approval of all ownership changes and maintains rules on minority partners. The team is headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, and plays home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The ownership group has publicly stated its commitment to rebranding and modernizing the franchise, including the team name change from Washington Redskins to Washington Commanders. The new brand identity reflects a broader strategy to refresh the franchise's image and appeal to a wider fan base.
Team Valuation and Financial Performance
According to the latest Forbes NFL valuations, the Washington Commanders are estimated to be worth over $7 billion as of 2024, reflecting significant appreciation since the 2023 purchase. The team's revenue streams include national media rights, stadium revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales, with the NFL's shared revenue model providing a substantial baseline income. The Commanders rank among the top 10 most valuable franchises in the NFL, driven by the league's lucrative media deals and the team's large national fan base. The ownership group has invested in stadium upgrades and operational improvements to support long-term revenue growth. For the most recent Forbes valuation and revenue breakdown, see the Forbes NFL team valuations page here.
The team's financial performance is closely monitored by analysts and investors, as the NFL continues to be the most valuable sports league in the world. The Commanders' revenue has grown steadily in recent seasons, supported by new sponsorship agreements and increased merchandise sales following the rebrand. The ownership group has also explored additional revenue opportunities, including premium seating, in-stadium experiences, and digital content. The team's balance sheet and operating income are not publicly disclosed in full detail, as the franchise is privately held. However, the 2023 sale price provides a clear benchmark for the team's market value and the perceived financial potential of the franchise.
Ownership Group Background and Investment Strategy
Josh Harris is a billionaire investor and co-founder of Apollo Global Management, a private equity firm with over $400 billion in assets under management. His investment portfolio spans sports, technology, and real estate, and he has been involved in multiple high-profile acquisitions across professional sports leagues. The Washington Commanders purchase was structured as a leveraged buyout, with the ownership group using a combination of cash and debt to finance the transaction. The deal was approved by NFL owners in 2023 after a league-wide vote, with the league requiring assurances on governance and financial transparency. For background on Josh Harris and Apollo Global Management, see the Forbes profile