I don't think this is something that has just shifted toward legit change.. my conspiracy theory brain thinks that there is a lot more to this story, and I can connect some tangible dots that could easily mean Dan Snyder does not own this team much longer.
1. Nike pulls out. They're under contract as officially licensed apparel for the NFL. There is no way they can do that without the NFL signing off on it. If there's one thing the NFL likes, it's money.... The NFL has radio silence through this episode of change the name, and to allow a manufacturer to breach a contract and remove the ability to turn a profit on merchandise that have already been produced.... The NFL is smarter than that. They didn't just stop producing Redskins gear with a 'sold out' across their website. They pulled it off the shelf. There's a warehouse now that has boxes of tag on merchandise sitting somewhere.
2. Fedex pulls out. That means the current lease of 1600 Fedex way is not getting paid for by the corporate sponsor. I don't know the exact $$ amount but I can't imagine it's an inexpensive monthly cost.
3. 40% share of the minority owners are now wanting out, completely removing any doubt that Snyder is basically impossible to work with in the process. Thus making it very unlikely that anyone will have an actual interest in buying into the team in it's current state.
4. The name change. The cost of changing the name of a team is anyone's guess, but I can't figure that's cheap either. Renderings, re-branding, new merchandise, stadium and facility renovations... all of it. Meanwhile all the old stuff is now obsolete. Is nuclear to 95% of the US population. Chances are it won't move. There will be die hards, collectors, and purists that may still invest, but Redskins gear likely no longer moves off the shelves with any real momentum.
Now that those points are made... I ask you. How is Dan Snyder, who's only truly profitable entity is the Washington Redskins, going to pay for the lease of the stadium, buy out the 40% of ownership void left by the fact that minority owners want out and it's unlikely anyone else wants in, re-brand a team, supply new gear, build a new stadium, and own a franchise..... while not selling gear, no fans in the stands, and what would appear to be no help from the NFL.
Put your tin foil hats on boys, I'm gonna blow your mind.... theory alert..
Jeff Bezos has been in the ear of the NFL since his name was floated out there in November.... and even before that. I think the NFL is icing Snyder out because they want to open the door for Bezos to buy the team. They kill about 4 birds with 1 stone, and Bezos likely will not be open to being a minority owner.... he wants the whole thing, or at a minimum... 51%
1. Get rid of Snyder
2. Bring in a WEALTHY replacement with marketing and powerful pull
3. New Stadium deal which opens the door for Superbowl / Probowl, as well as World Cup hosting in 2026.
4. They don't have to listen to the anti-Redskin march any more.
I wonder how hard Snyder is willing to fight to keep the team if it's no longer the Washington Redskins... and how much easier he'd be willing to part ways.... He's always said he's a fan first.
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