Would-be Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris is confident that the franchise he hopes to get from Dan Snyder will thrive under his watch.
His former Philadelphia 76ers partner, Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin, believes in that idea.
Speaking at his inaugural Merch Madness: Fan Gear Giveaway in Harlem on Tuesday, the first of three stops he made while giving away approximately $20 million worth of licensed merchandise to more than 100,000 underserved children and their families, Rubin told Fox News Digital expecting a quick turnaround with Harris leading the Commanders.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Philadelphia 76ers owners Josh Harris, left, and Michael Rubin look on during Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on May 4, 2022 in Miami. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
«I expect quick progress from Josh,» Rubin said. «Josh is a beast. He works non-stop, he works 24/7. This has been his dream. This is the city he grew up in. I think, to be honest, there are a lot of fruits to come.» hand’s reach».
«I expect quick results from Josh, and I think the community will support him. I couldn’t be more excited for all the Commanders fans and what Josh can do for the team.»
Harris still has no control over the Commanders, as the NFL will hold a special meeting on July 20 where league owners are expected to vote on Harris’ pending deal with the Snyders, according to the Washington Post.
FANATICS CEO MICHAEL RUBIN COMPLETES SALE OF 76ERS STAKE, DEVILS: REPORT
Harris reached an agreement with the Snyders to buy the franchise for $6.05 billion, which is the highest price for any team in NFL history. He breaks the $4.6 billion price tag the Walton-Penner group met for ownership of the Denver Broncos.
As a part-owner of the 76ers along with the New Jersey Devils, Rubin has a history of seeing Harris in action, so his confidence is so high that he will abide by Harris’s belief that Snyder’s ownership led to an «out of touch» fan. «. base that will return to the seats.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment issued a 43-page prospectus to potential investors in its group for the Commanders, which was obtained by ESPN. In it, Harris explains how removing Snyder from the property would lead to increased attendance, overall ticket sales, endorsements, and more.
There was also the idea that the group would get Virginia to offer up to $1.5 billion in public funds for a new stadium.
The document adds that the Commanders earned $173 million in local revenue last season, including ticket sales, endorsements and more. But the real draw was that Harris predicted the franchise can double that number by the 2031-2032 season.
Michael Rubin and Josh Harris are pictured after Game 4 of the first round playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets on April 20, 2019 at Barclays Center in New York. (Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
If a new stadium is built for the Commanders, Harris predicts $466 million in revenue per season by then.
«Commanders historically ranked first in the league in all local revenue and attendance metrics,» the document states via ESPN. «However, the team has skyrocketed significantly as a result of the allegations against current ownership. As ownership changes, we see opportunities to substantially boost local revenue and bring the team back to a top NFL market.»
While Harris continues to think about owning his third major sports league, Rubin has divested of his 10% stake in the 76ers and Devils as Fanatics hope to enter the sports betting arena.
There is clearly a conflict of interest with the NBA and NHL due to the expansion.
With Rubin’s sights set on continuing to grow Fanatics, he’s also giving back, which was evidenced at nearly 100 different venues across the United States with his Merch Madness event.
Rubin also got help from some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment including Lil’ Baby, Meek Mill, Russell Wilson, Eli Manning, Donovan Mitchell, A$AP Ferg and Taylor Rooks were at the Frederick Douglass Academy in Harlem to hand out the Fanatics. merchandise to the surprised children who attended.
Josh Harris addresses the media before the game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center on September 20, 2019 in Newark, New Jersey. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
And that was just in New York. Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr. and DJ Khaled were together in Miami. Chris Paul, Quavo, Lil’ Durk and Mo Bamba were in Los Angeles for the event. Many other cities had celebrities show their love and support for Rubin and their respective communities.
«Next year, we’re going to make it even bigger and better,» Rubin said. “I think next year we’re going to give away $100 million worth of merchandise, benefit 1 million underserved families,” he said.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
«For us, this is what it’s all about. Making a difference.»