Daniel Snyder reportedly set to sell Washington Commanders; Jeff Bezos early odds-on favorite to buy team

A couple of weeks ago, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay told reporters he believed there were enough votes (24) among NFL owners to force the ouster of embattled Washington Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, but Snyder retorted by saying he would never sell. Apparently, Snyder has changed his mind. Forbes is reporting that he has hired Bank of America to sell the club, which has been confirmed by a team statement. 

The Commanders actually beat the Colts on Sunday and ahead of that game, a Commanders spokesperson said this to the Washington Post: "It's unfortunate that Mr. Irsay continues to behave in a way that clearly is in violation of the Constitution of the NFL."

According to Article IX, Section 9.1 (C) (4) of the league's Constitution & Bylaws, any owner is prohibited from "publicly criticizing any member club or its management, personnel, employees, or coaches and/or any football official employed by the League. All complaints or criticism in respect to the foregoing shall be made to the Commissioner only and shall not be publicized directly or indirectly."

Washington receiver Terry McLaurin recently said the various Snyder scandals were distractions, although the team has won three in a row to get to .500: "I think that's tough for us as players," McLaurin said. "Obviously, with social media and everything that's out there, you see what's going on."

We should note that the Forbes article contains a big qualifier: "The transaction could be for the entire NFL team or a minority stake."

The Commanders' statement reads: "Dan and Tanya Snyder and the Washington Commanders announced today that they have hired BofA Securities to consider potential transactions. The Snyders remain committed to the team, all of its employees and its countless fans to putting the best product on the field and continuing to work to set the gold standard for workplace in the NFL." 

It is widely known that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos wants to buy an NFL team and he already owns the Washington Post. A $5 billion to $6 billion price tag would be pocket change for Bezos. He also already owns the broadcasting rights to Thursday Night Football and thus has a good relationship with the league.

The Commanders are 3.5-point home underdogs Sunday vs. Minnesota.

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