The Washington Commanders could have a celebrity part owner, after all. Eben Novy-Williams of Sportico reported Monday that NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson has joined Josh Harris’ bid for the Commanders.
Johnson isn’t the first celebrity name attached to the Commanders. Last week, Thom Loverro of the Washington Times noted how he’d heard Michael Jordan’s name connected to a New York investment firm that was interested in the Commanders.
Before Johnson and Jordan, there was Jay-Z, who had been linked as a partner to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. However, Bezos was shut out of the early bidding for the Commanders due to owner Dan Snyder’s disdain for The Washington Post. Bezos owns the Post.
Also, actor and Washington fan Matthew McConaughey and NBA star Kevin Durant were also interested in becoming minority partners of the Commanders.
Johnson was a part of Harris’ failed bid for the Denver Broncos last year. Johnson has ownership experience as a part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks and the Los Angeles FC of the MLS.
In addition to his sports ownership, Johnson has invested in multiple other business ventures, including Starbucks stores, gyms and movie theaters. He owns Magic Johnson Enterprises, an investment company.
Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is the co-founder of Apollo Global Management. Mitchell Rales, the billionaire co-founder of Danaher Corporation, also recently joined Harris’ bid for the Commanders.
