Written By The NFL is reportedly discussing the possibility of staging the sale of the Washington Football Team, owned by Daniel Snyder, amid ongoing controversy surrounding the team’s alleged toxic workplace culture and sexual harassment allegations.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the league is considering approving the sale of a minority stake in the team to one or more buyers, with the possibility of selling the majority stake at a later time.
This would allow the league to maintain some control over the sale process and ensure that any prospective buyers meet the NFL’s strict ownership criteria.
The NFL’s ownership rules require that an owner have a minimum net worth of $2.5 billion and be able to put up at least 30% of the purchase price in cash. Prospective owners must also pass a rigorous background check and be approved by at least 24 of the league’s 32 owners.
Snyder has come under fire in recent years for his handling of the team, which has faced allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, and a toxic workplace culture. In 2020, the team settled a lawsuit with former employees who accused the team of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
The controversy has also led to calls for Snyder to sell the team, with critics saying that he has not done enough to address the allegations of misconduct within the organization.
In July 2020, Snyder announced that the team would retire its controversial name, the Redskins, and would be temporarily known as the Washington Football Team until a new name could be chosen.
The team has also undergone significant changes in its leadership in recent years, with Snyder appointing his wife, Tanya Snyder, as co-CEO in 2020 and bringing in new head coach Ron Rivera in 2021.
However, critics say that these moves have not gone far enough in addressing the issues within the organization and that Snyder should step down as owner altogether.
The potential staged sale of the team is just one option being considered by the NFL, and no final decision has been made. However, it could be seen as a way for the league to take action in response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the team and to ensure that any new owner is held to the highest standards of conduct and ethics.
It remains to be seen whether Snyder will agree to a staged sale or whether he will choose to retain ownership of the team. However, the pressure on him to address the issues within the organization is likely to continue until a resolution is reached.
