Commanders owner Josh Harris focused on 'changing the culture' - ESPN

LANDOVER, MD. — New Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris issued a set of priorities that would distance the franchise from what transpired the past couple of decades under previous owner Dan Snyder.

But he was not yet ready to take on a possible name change, saving that topic for another day.

«A lot of stuff happened that was unfortunate,» Harris said at a news conference Friday. «We're focused on changing the culture. It's about creating a management team that doesn't look the same. It's about zero tolerance on ethically challenged behavior. When you own a sports team in a city, everyone looks at what you do.

»Everyone who works at the team… they're a reflection on [the fans]. It's all about culture. We're very intentional about culture."

That comment elicited applause from a number of employees and guests in attendance. Issues in those areas during Snyder's 24-year reign helped cause an erosion of the fan base. But Harris' arrival has signaled a new day.

«We want to change everything that's happened to this franchise,» said Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson, one of Harris' limited partners.

Whether or not it leads to a name change remains to be seen. Washington dropped its original name in July 2020 and replaced it with a temporary one for the next two years — the Washington Football Team — before unveiling the Commanders in February 2022. Some fans have been vocal about their disdain for the new name and have clamored for another change. By NFL rule, a team has to wait five years before it can rebrand again — but there is an exception for a new owner.

Harris said he's focused more on immediate issues, such as the football season, getting back in the community to reconnect with the fan base and improving the