Anheuser-Busch Returns as Major Sponsor of the Washington Commanders
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders, under new ownership by Josh Harris, have secured Anheuser-Busch as a major sponsor, marking a significant rebound for the franchise. After facing investigations into previous owner Dan Snyder by Congress and the NFL, the team lost approximately $3 million in revenue when Anheuser-Busch ended its longtime sponsorship in March 2022. However, with the team now under new ownership, the beverage giant has chosen to return as a sponsor.
This comes as the second major sponsorship announcement for the Commanders this week. Just days ago, Verizon became a sponsor of the team, sealing a two-year agreement. The addition of Anheuser-Busch further bolsters the financial prospects of the franchise and signals a positive turning point.
While the reasons behind Anheuser-Busch’s decision to drop its sponsorship were not publicly disclosed, sources within the Commanders’ organization believe that it was linked to the controversies surrounding Dan Snyder. The company also severed ties with other teams around the same time. With the ownership change, Anheuser-Busch’s return emphasizes a fresh start for the Washington football team.
“We are excited to have the Commanders back on our NFL roster,” said Matt Davis, VP of partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. “Our history with the Washington franchise runs deep.”
As part of the four-year deal, Washington’s offensive players will wear a Folds of Honor patch on their practice jerseys. This showcases Anheuser-Busch’s commitment to supporting veterans and their families.
Notably, Anheuser-Busch is a prominent sponsor of 26 other NFL teams, as well as 24 individual players. Its renewed partnership with the Commanders demonstrates the significance of the Washington franchise and its potential for success under new ownership.
Josh Harris officially took over the team on July 20, following unanimous approval from NFL owners for his deal with Dan Snyder. Harris’ acquisition brought hope for growth in various aspects of the franchise, including suite sales and sponsorship deals. This recent sponsorship expansion signifies growing confidence in the organization.
Commanders’ team president Jason Wright previously expressed his anticipation for renewed business opportunities as a result of the ownership change. He stated, “There will be growth in suite sales, growth in sponsorship sales because there [are] people choosing not to do business with us that will choose to do business with us now.”
The Commanders’ future prospects seem brighter than ever as they rebuild their reputation and form new alliances with industry leaders like Anheuser-Busch. The return of major sponsors signifies a revival for the franchise and sets the tone for success in the coming years.