Kevin Durant has expressed interest in purchasing the Washington Commanders of the National Football League.
According to ESPN’s Nick Friedell, the Brooklyn Nets star, who is from the Washington, D.C. area, recently put in a bid to join a prospective ownership group looking to purchase the franchise. Jay-Z and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are rumored to be forming their own ownership group, which Durant alluded to potentially joining in an effort to acquire his stake as a minority owner.
“In an ideal world, I’d be a part of it,” Durant said. “I’d love to do it.” I’d like to contribute a small sum of money to the Commanders, but we’ll see. I hope it’s someone nice. You never know with [Amazon CEO Jeff] Bezos and Jay-Z.”
Durant also discussed Washington D.C.’s allure as a financial hub for new ownership to capitalize on, as well as the DMV area’s demonstrated loyalty to the football franchise while building a reputation as one of the league’s strongest fanbases.
“Our market is incredible,” said the former MVP. “There’s a lot of support in D.C., and there’s a lot of money to be made in D.C.” I believe we have drafted well in recent years. We have some foundational pieces that can help you win football games in the future. So, yes, I think it’s an appealing destination. Whatever happens, they’ve pretty much built that team, that stadium, and the brand up pretty nicely.”
“I know we’ve had some losing seasons,” he continued, “but it’s starting to come around for us.” As a fan, I’m ecstatic. The sale has piqued my interest. I’m excited to see who they bring in and who they sell the team to, as well as how we proceed.”
Dan Snyder, the long-time owner of the Washington Commanders, and his wife Tanya recently hired Bank of America Securities as the first step toward selling their stake in the team. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Commanders could fetch upwards of $7 billion, which would be a record price for a North American sports franchise.
Durant already has experience in the world of sports ownership, as the perennial All-Star currently owns a 5% stake in the MLS’ Philadelphia Union, is a minority owner of the National Women’s Soccer League club NY/NJ Gotham FC, and is a co-owner of a pickleball team. He has also expressed a desire to help bring an NBA franchise back to Seattle, where he was drafted with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics.