The entire Washington Commanders fan base breathed a collective sigh of relief Thursday afternoon, as NFL owners unanimously approved the sale of the franchise to a group led by Josh Harris, marking the end of Dan Snyder’s tumultuous ownership tenure.
Following the vote, fans gathered at The Bullpen in Southeast D.C. to celebrate the end of Snyder’s 20-plus-year reign, and a new beginning for the franchise.
“This is amazing,” Jason from Maryland told WTOP. “It’s the best day in the last 23 years.”
Only an hour into his time as owner, Harris had a special treat for the fans who came out.
“Josh Harris bought us all a beer,” Jason said. “Great owner, already better than Dan. Dan charged us double.”
Brandon Obeid told WTOP he couldn’t miss the celebration.
“It was very easy to bring me out today. You told me that Dan was signing the papers to somebody else, and it didn’t matter where it was, I was gonna be there,” he said.
Obeid was also grateful to Harris for buying the crowd a round.
“This is a beautiful beer called ‘Bye Dan India Pale Ale.’ Absolutely delicious. It tastes like the tears from Dan Snyder. Delicious, delicious,” he said.
As for what fans want to see from the new ownership?
“I want a winning atmosphere, a winning environment, leadership,” Aaron, who’s a season-ticket holder, said. “Dan Snyder showed us how not to run a franchise. Now, Josh Harris has to come in and run one professionally and bring us back to glory.”
As fans celebrated in D.C., they also told WTOP they’d like to see the Harris group bring the team back to the city with a new stadium.
“It needs to be in RFK. This is D.C. Look at it out here. This is D.C., people. We want our stadium back,” Obeid said.
Fans said they’re hoping they can celebrate something other than the sale of the team, soon.
“We have the players. We have the coaches. We have the team. It was all Daniel Snyder that was holding us up, and I’m so glad he’s gone,” Shawn Dillard said.
WTOP’s Scott Gelman contributed to this report.
