Byron Allen is reportedly putting in bids to become the first Black Minority owner of an NFL team. The billionaire media mogul and investor is preparing to bid $5.6 billion for the Washington Commanders.
According to reports, If his bid is accepted, Allen will become the first Black minority owner of an NFL franchise in history. He is working with a some investors to put together a successful bid for the team.
Allen, 61 previously said he was approached by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and Patriots owner Robert Kraft about bidding for the Broncos. The team was sold earlier this year to an investment group led by Walmart heir Rob Walton for $4.65 billion.
Allen is a comedian, television producer, and philanthropist who is best known for hosting Real People, The Byron Allen Show, Entertainers with Byron Allen, and Kickin’ It with Byron Allen. He was discovered at 14-year-old by Comedian Jimmie Walker (“Good Times”) during a stand-up comedy show.
Allen eventually developed a head for business, and in 2018, his Entertainment Studios acquired The Weather Channel from NBCUniversal, Bain Capital and Blackstone Inc. In 2019, he acquired the regional Fox Sports Networks.
The Commanders’ current owner, Dan Snyder is under investigation by the NFL for workplace misconduct after nearly 2 dozen women made complaints of workplace harassment.
Snyder and his wife, Tanya, recently hired Bank of America to help facilitate the sale of the team. The Snyders purchased the Washington Redskins in 1999. The team changed its name after complaints of racism and cultural misappropriation.