Magic Johnson Shares Emotional Statement After Owners’ Vote on Commanders Sale

This is the NBA legend’s first time being part of an NFL ownership group.

Right after the news that the NFL owners unanimously voted on Thursday to approve the sale of $6.05 billion of the Commanders, NBA legend Magic Johnson, who is part of the new ownership group, tweeted a lengthy and heartfelt message on his Twitter.

The former Lakers star, who joins 76ers and Devils owner Josh Harris—along with David Blitzer of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment—in the ownership group, expressed that it’s always been his dream to be a part of an NFL ownership team.

“God is so good…I still can’t believe it!” Johnson tweeted. “I am currently living in an answered prayer. Since beginning my journey as an athlete and now businessman and team owner, it's all been a dream that has come full circle. I grew up playing football as a kid, I’m a huge NFL fan, and I watch games every week. Now, I get to co-own a storied franchise, the Washington Commanders. 

“I’m especially thankful to Josh Harris who allowed me to be one of his partners with the Commanders. He is an amazing man, great friend, incredible businessman, proven owner and winner with the Philadelphia 76ers. Josh and his team have been first class throughout this entire process. Our ownership team is committed to the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia community and fanbase to bring a winning team and best in class organization.

“This is truly the biggest achievement in my business career and a historic moment for the entire Black community.”

This is truly the biggest achievement in my business career and a historic moment for the entire Black community. Talk about God’s perfect timing. This was the right organization for me to be a part of given it’s global appeal, history of winning, and the diverse fanbase and DMV…

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 20, 2023

This isn’t the first time Johnson has been part of a professional sports ownership group. The 63-year-old is part of the Guggenheim Partners, who have owned the Dodgers since 2012. With the same group, Johnson became a partial owner of the WNBA’s Sparks in 2014. That same year, he became a co-owner of MLS’s Los Angeles FC. All three of these teams have won their respective league championships during Johnson’s ownership.

The approved sale of the Commanders comes after now former owner Dan Snyder was with the franchise for 24 seasons. Snyder was under investigation by the NFL for workplace misconduct allegations, and the findings from attorney Mary Jo White were released on Thursday, resulting in a $60 million fine for Snyder.