Magic Johnson adds intrigue in expected sale of Washington Commanders

If Earvin “Magic” Johnson succeeds as part of a Josh Harris-led group trying to buy the Washington Commanders, the NBA legend would come with a huge ally for navigating NFL circles: Robert Kraft.

“I love Magic,” Kraft, the New England Patriots owner, told USA TODAY Sports last week during the NFL annual league meeting in Phoenix. “I’m a big fan of his. I have a lot of respect for him, and I think he adds value wherever he goes. He’s been a great leader and someone who has dealt with difficult situations and come out with a smile.”

Johnson, 63, confirmed during an appearance Tuesday on NBC’s "Today" show, that “yes, the bid is in,” to purchase the Commanders from Dan Snyder. Snyder has received two bids of $6 billion, per multiple reports. In addition to the bid from the group headed by Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Harris and Mitchell Rales, Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos has also submitted an offer, ESPN reported.

It’s unclear which of the offers is stronger financially and how far Snyder has advanced on the timeline for vetting them. It’s possible that NFL owners, with 24 of them needed to approve a sale, could weigh an agreed-to deal during their next scheduled league meeting in late May.

In any event, having Johnson in the mix for what should set a record for the sale of a U.S. sports franchise undoubtedly adds buzz. Johnson was also part of the Harris-led group that last year bid for the Denver Broncos, with the team eventually being sold to a group headed by Walmart heir Rob Walton for a record $4.65 billion.

“We hope that we win,” Johnson said on "Today." “We don’t know what’s going to happen. We’ll see what happens with Mr. Snyder making that decision. But we’re excited about it.”

Kraft said that he has “a very good relationship” with Johnson, dating back to the 2000s.

“We got an award together at Babson College, Entrepreneurs of the Year,” Kraft said. “We both got that award the same year. So, we were on the cover of their magazine and have been really friendly since then. I think that was about 15 years ago.”

Kraft, one of the NFL’s most powerful owners, said he would be eager to be a resource for Johnson in a league environment. Over the years, Johnson bought ownership stakes in the franchise that he won five NBA titles with in the Los Angeles Lakers, the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Soccer’s Los Angeles FC. He also explored a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders.

“I like the way he’s handled himself,” Kraft said. “I like the fact that he is an image for young people to try to follow. He’s a good role model. What he’s done (in business), I have respect for. He’s someone I’m very fond on.”

During his interview on "Today," Johnson touched on his motivation and vision, while also recognizing the cultural significance of potentially becoming part of the Commanders ownership group.

“I’ve got a ring in every sport, but I need a Super Bowl ring,” Johnson said. “And I would love to be (part-)owner of the Commanders to not only do the great work on the field, but the work we could do with the city. I think if they bless us – Mr. Snyder blesses us – with the opportunity to be an owner, it would be an emotional day for me. My father just died, so it would be a great moment for the Johnson family as well as Josh Harris, who is the lead partner in this, to take that franchise and take it to another level. So, I’m kind of excited about it. And another African-American owner.”

Kraft acknowledged that Johnson would embody a statement in a league where roughly 70% of the players are Black but has never had a Black majority owner and is criticized immensely for its track record for hiring Black head coaches. Yet Kraft also points to Johnson’s value on another level.

“I think he brings something special to the table,” Kraft replied, when asked about Johnson and the lack of minority owners in the NFL. “He’s also a great sports legend and understands things about managing a sports franchise that the average limited partner wouldn’t understand. So, I think he truly brings value.”

Whether Johnson’s group brings enough value to seal a deal with Snyder remains to be seen, but there’s no disputing that the Magic factor offers the prospect of marquee impact.

Follow USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell on Twitter @JarrettBell.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Magic Johnson could be X-factor in Washington Commanders sale