BREAKING: Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Dies at 60, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Sports and Business
BREAKING: Washington Commanders Owner Josh Harris Dies at 60, Leaves Lasting Legacy in Sports and Business
In a stunning and heartbreaking development, Josh Harris, the managing partner and principal owner of the Washington Commanders, has died at the age of 60. Harris, a billionaire businessman and widely respected figure in the world of professional sports, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. The cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed.
Harris’s passing marks a profound loss for not only the Commanders franchise but also for the entire sports and business communities. Revered for his visionary leadership, deep commitment to community development, and transformative approach to team ownership, Harris leaves behind a remarkable legacy of ambition, achievement, and integrity.
From Hometown Roots to NFL Ownership
Born and raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, Harris was a lifelong fan of Washington football. His 2023 acquisition of the Commanders—purchased from Dan Snyder for a record-breaking $6.05 billion—was hailed as a new dawn for the once-proud franchise. Harris, who called the opportunity a “homecoming,” had long dreamed of restoring the Commanders to their former glory.
“This franchise belongs to the people of Washington,” Harris said in a public statement after taking ownership. “We are committed to building an elite organization rooted in excellence, transparency, and respect for this community.”
A Titan in Business and Sports
Before turning his attention to NFL ownership, Harris made his name in the financial world. After graduating from the Wharton School and earning his MBA from Harvard Business School, he co-founded Apollo Global Management in 1990, turning it into one of the largest private equity firms in the world.
In addition to the Commanders, Harris held ownership stakes in several other major sports teams, including the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and Premier League club Crystal Palace. His influence stretched across continents, and he was widely regarded as a pioneer of modern sports ownership—fusing savvy business operations with community-first values.
A Legacy Beyond the Field
While Harris’s impact on the business and sports worlds was considerable, his philanthropic efforts were equally significant. In 2014, he and his wife, Marjorie, launched Harris Philanthropies, a foundation focused on youth wellness, education, and community empowerment. His charitable endeavors included major donations to the University of Pennsylvania, Mount Sinai Health System, and various youth organizations in cities where he owned sports teams.
“Josh Harris wasn’t just a businessman. He was a builder—of teams, of communities, and of opportunities,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “His impact on the National Football League and the communities he served will resonate for decades to come.”
A Sudden and Shocking Loss
Details surrounding Harris’s death remain scarce. According to a spokesperson for the Harris family, he passed away peacefully, and the family has requested privacy as they grieve. Plans for a public memorial service will be announced in the coming days.
He is survived by his wife, Marjorie, and their five children.
Tributes Pour In
Across the NFL and beyond, tributes to Harris have poured in.
Magic Johnson, one of Harris’s partners in the Commanders ownership group, posted on social media: “I lost a great friend and partner today. Josh was a man of integrity, compassion, and vision. Washington has lost a hero.”
Current and former players, fellow team owners, and business leaders echoed those sentiments, praising Harris’s character, leadership, and tireless drive to leave every organization he touched better than he found it.
The Future of the Commanders
In the short time since Harris assumed ownership of the Commanders, he initiated sweeping reforms, including front-office restructuring, stadium planning, and fan-focused outreach. His goal was not just to rebuild a football team, but to restore trust, pride, and unity to a loyal fanbase that had endured years of controversy.
Interim leadership will be announced in the coming weeks, but the Commanders organization has vowed to carry forward Harris’s vision of a world-class football operation that values community, integrity, and championship-level performance.
