The Washington Commanders are owned by Josh Harris and a consortium of investors who purchased the NFL franchise for a record $6.05 billion in July 2023. The team is preparing new uniforms for 2026 and has a new stadium project underway in Washington, D.C.
- $6.05 billion — the record price the Harris ownership group paid for the Commanders in 2023.
- $7.6 billion — estimated franchise value of the Washington Commanders in 2025, according to Forbes.
- $12 billion — Josh Harris’s estimated net worth as of early 2026, per Bloomberg.
- 3 Super Bowl wins — the Commanders have won Super Bowls XVII, XXII, and XXVI across 5 total appearances.
- 95 seasons — the franchise has been active since 1932, operating under five different names.
How Did The Washington Commanders Get Its Name?
The franchise adopted the name “Commanders” on February 2, 2022, after operating as the Washington Football Team for two seasons. The original “Redskins” name had been used from 1933 until the organization dropped it in July 2020 amid public pressure and sponsor demands.
The name was chosen from a list that also included Admirals, Armada, Defenders, Presidents, and Red Wolves. Team leadership said it reflected the military history of the D.C. region. Fan reception was mixed initially, though the organization quickly rolled out new branding and merchandise.
The Washington Commanders Products and Services
Game-Day Experience
- Home games at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
- Premium seating, suites, and club-level access
- New stadium project announced in D.C. with construction targeted for 2027
Merchandise and Retail
- Branded apparel, jerseys, and accessories through the official team store
- Licensing partnerships with Nike and other NFL suppliers
- New “Super Bowl Era” burgundy-and-gold uniforms arriving April 2026
Digital and Media
- Commanders.com and official mobile app for news, video, and tickets
- Podcasts including “Drive to the Draft” and team analysis shows
- Broadcast partnerships with networks including CBS
Community and Events
- Washington Commanders Charitable Foundation
- Youth football camps and community outreach programs
- Facility tours at the Ashburn, Virginia training complex
Who Owns The Washington Commanders?
Josh Harris is the managing partner and lead owner of the Washington Commanders. He acquired the franchise in July 2023 through a consortium that includes billionaire Mitchell Rales, longtime business partner David Blitzer, and NBA legend Magic Johnson.
Harris’s Background in Private Equity
Harris co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990 with Leon Black and Marc Rowan after the three worked at Drexel Burnham Lambert. He left Apollo in 2022 to run 26North, an alternative asset manager holding $31.8 billion by September 2025.
A Multi-Sport Portfolio
Beyond the Commanders, Harris owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers (purchased in 2011 for $280 million) and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils (acquired in 2013 for $320 million). He also holds a general partnership stake in Crystal Palace of the English Premier League and a minority interest in NASCAR’s Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Commanders Origin, Founders and Early Years
The franchise started in 1932 as the Boston Braves, founded by George Preston Marshall with partners Vincent Bendix, Jay O’Brien, and M. Dorland Doyle. Marshall renamed the team the Boston Redskins in 1933 and relocated to Washington, D.C., in 1937.
Early Championships and Growth
Washington won its first NFL championship in 1937, the same year it moved to D.C. The team added titles in 1942 and later won three Super Bowls under coach Joe Gibbs in the 1982, 1987, and 1991 seasons. Dan Snyder purchased the franchise for $800 million in 1999 and owned it until selling to the Harris group in 2023.
Largest Shareholders of The Washington Commanders
Josh Harris — Managing Partner
- Holds at least a 30% stake (NFL minimum for lead owner)
- Co-founder of Apollo Global Management
- Estimated net worth: $12 billion (2026)
- Grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland
Mitchell Rales — Co-Owner
- D.C.-area billionaire and industrialist
- Co-founder of Danaher Corporation
- One of the largest individual investors in the ownership group
David Blitzer — Co-Owner
- Harris’s longtime sports business partner since 2011
- Former senior executive at Blackstone
- Co-owns the 76ers and Devils through Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
Magic Johnson — Co-Owner
- NBA Hall of Famer and five-time champion with the Lakers
- Invested $240 million in the acquisition
- Also co-owns the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers and WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks
Eric Schmidt — Co-Owner
- Former CEO and Executive Chairman of Google
- Estimated net worth exceeding $30 billion
Additional Investors
- Mark Ein — Washington Open chairman
- The Morgan family (Morgan Properties)
- The Santo Domingo family
- Michael Sapir — Co-founder and CEO of ProShares
The Washington Commanders Mission Statement
Under Josh Harris, the Commanders have focused on restoring trust with fans disenchanted during the Snyder era. Harris told reporters on day one that delivering a championship-caliber team was the ownership group’s top priority.
The organization has invested more than $100 million in stadium and facility upgrades since 2023, with an additional $25 million approved for 2026. A new stadium in D.C., with vertical construction expected around 2027, is planned as a year-round community space.
Who Is on the Board of Directors and Leadership for The Washington Commanders?
Ownership and Executive Leadership
Josh Harris
Leads all ownership decisions. Co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990. Wharton graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Mitchell Rales
Co-founder of Danaher Corporation, a diversified industrial conglomerate. Based in the Washington, D.C. area.
David Blitzer
Co-manages Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. Formerly a senior executive at Blackstone Group.
Football Operations
Adam Peters
Joined from the San Francisco 49ers where he was assistant general manager. Oversees roster construction and personnel.
Dan Quinn
Former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Led Washington to a playoff appearance in his first season.
Business and Community Operations
Mark Ein
Chairman of the Washington Open tennis tournament. Entrepreneur and investor in the D.C. area.
Magic Johnson
Five-time NBA champion turned successful business owner. Co-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers.
FAQ
What is the net worth of The Washington Commanders?
Forbes estimated the Commanders’ franchise value at $7.6 billion in 2025. Sportico placed the figure at $7.47 billion, ranking Washington 10th among NFL teams.
Is The Washington Commanders an American franchise?
Yes. The Washington Commanders are an American professional football team based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. They compete in the NFL’s NFC East division.
Who owns The Washington Commanders?
Josh Harris is the managing partner and lead owner. His ownership group includes Mitchell Rales, David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, Eric Schmidt, and several other investors.
When did The Washington Commanders franchise begin?
The franchise was founded in 1932 as the Boston Braves. It became the Boston Redskins in 1933 and relocated to Washington, D.C. in 1937. The team adopted the Commanders name in February 2022.
What is The Washington Commanders market cap in 2026?
As a privately held franchise, the Commanders do not have a public market capitalization. Forbes valued the team at approximately $7.6 billion in 2025.