NFL Rumors: Washington Commanders Sale Has Hit a Snag

The NFL just can't get rid of Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. According to a new report by the Washington Post's Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala, the sale of the Commanders has hit yet another snag that could delay the sale of the franchise to a group led by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris.

NEW: Issues arose Wednesday in the legal negotiations between the NFL and Daniel Snyder related to indemnification for the Jon Gruden lawsuit, sources say, threatening to complicate the sale of the Commanders to Josh Harris. From @NickiJhabvala and me.... https://t.co/ymEe4H51n0
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) July 13, 2023

Snyder has been pursuing indemnity from all future legal action against the Commanders and the NFL, which could be particularly important as former Las Vegas Raiders coach John Gruden prepares to sue the league for his termination stemming from an investigation into the Commanders' toxic workplace culture.

Snyder and the Commanders have been the subject of much legal and league scrutiny over recent years, and the breadth of his misconduct has been kept under a tight lid so far. Snyder likely knows something we don't and wants to minimize any eventual culpability.

Pressure for Snyder to sell the team (or to be forcefully removed) has increased over the past year, but he clearly doesn't intend to go quietly. He bought the Commanders in 1999 and quickly sent the once-proud franchise into a tailspin. After winning three Super Bowls in the 80s and 90s, the Commanders have made the playoffs only six times under Snyder. The team currently ranks last in average attendance, and FedEx Field routinely ranks among the worst stadiums in the league.

Strongarming Snyder into selling the team would be a huge headache for the league, so he maintains significant leverage as long as he's willing to endure the contempt of fans and rival owners. Even a reported record-setting $6.05 billion potential payday hasn't hurried him. Unfortunately for fans of the Commanders, Snyder may not be out of their lives until he gets absolutely everything he wants.