Report: Jeff Bezos not planning to bid on Commanders

Jeff Bezos has been mentioned throughout the Washington Commanders’ sale process as someone who can swoop in at the last minute and outbid the rest of the field.

But a new report casts doubt that the Amazon founder will do that. 

Puck reported Wednesday that Bezos is not involved in the bidding process for the Commanders and is “currently” not planning to make a bid. The news outlet couched that Bezos’ position “could change in the homestretch,” but added the tech mogul’s current plan is to “sit this one out.”

The report suggested that Bezos could wait to bid on the Seattle Seahawks, who are not yet for sale.

The news also comes after Puck reported rapper Jay-Z and actor Matthew McConaughey are no longer attached to Bezos’ pursuit of the Commanders. Jay-Z, the outlet said, was “never” part of Bezos‘ campaign, while McConaughey isn’t committed to Bezos and has been talking to a variety of prospective ownership groups. 

Jay-Z and McConaughey emerged early on as potential minority partners for Bezos. People reported that Jay-Z was in talks about a “joint venture” with Bezos to buy the Commanders and the two were later spotted grabbing dinner together in Los Angeles. McConaughey — a lifelong Washington fan — was “actively exploring” a bid, according to a New York Post report that he was joining the Bezos contingent with Jay-Z. 

Puck reported that it wouldn’t be surprising to see McConaughey join another group. Commanders owner Dan Snyder has received at least two formal bids for the franchise as billionaires Josh Harris and Steve Apostolopolous have each submitted offers each worth $6 billion. 

Harris’ bid, in particular, has a notable number of investors involved. The Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner has partnered with Maryland billionaire Mitchell Rales and NBA legend Magic Johnson to pursue Washington. 

Though Wednesday’s report suggests Bezos will not bid for the team, it might not quell speculation involving Bezos. After all, Bezos had reportedly hired banker Allen & Company to help him evaluate a bid. And ultimately, if Bezos does formally jump in, he’s likely to be considered the frontrunner because his personal wealth likely would allow him to trump other offers. 

Multiple outlets reported earlier this year that Snyder barred Bezos from bidding on the franchise because of the role The Washington Post, owned by Bezos, has played in exposing and reporting on a workplace misconduct scandal inside the team. Other outlets like Fox Business, Front Office Sports and Puck have reported that Snyder may still be open to considering an offer from Bezos. Front Office Sports reported this week that Snyder was holding out hope that another bidder would jump into the bidding. 

Puck reported that Snyder and Bezos spoke over the holidays about the team and that Bezos has looked at the team’s financials. 

“If you [expleitive] tell me that Bezos puts in a bid that is $250 million more than anybody else and Dan won’t take it, you’re smoking dope,” a source who knows Snyder “well” told the outlet. “Dan will give Bezos a piggyback ride around the building on opening day next year for $250 million, OK?”

Commanders president Jason Wright told The Washington Times last month that he anticipates a sale of the franchise, noting that it would be a “substantial boost” for the team. That impact, he said, will be felt most on the business side of the building. 

“When there’s an ownership change, we’ll be able to absorb the momentum of that,” Wright said, later adding, “They know that. I’m not saying anything that Dan and Tanya (Snyder) don’t know.”