Matthew McConaughey is “actively exploring” joining or leading a group of investors with the purpose of bidding on the Washington Commanders, a person close to the Academy-award-winning actor told The Athletic.
McConaughey, a longtime fan of the team, is the co-owner of Major League Soccer’s Austin FC franchise. The New York Post first reported the “Dazed and Confused” actor’s interest in becoming part of a potential Washington ownership group.
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McConaughey would not have the financial resources for majority ownership. The Post story linked McConaughey to a possible investment group fronted by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and rap icon Jay-Z. That connection is not definitive, according to the person close to the actor who was granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly.
There is no debate over McConaughey’s fandom. He has attended games and spent time with team owner Dan Snyder. McConaughey spoke at the team’s welcome home luncheon in 2019 and explained how a Texas native – and hamburger lover – became a Washington NFL fan.
“I’m four years old and my favorite food is a hamburger,” said the 53-year-old actor. “No. 55 (for Washington was) Chris Hanburger. When you’re four years old, those are the things that make sense to you.”
McConaughey adds more star power to a potential ownership group. Another famous Commanders fan, Brooklyn Nets star and D.C. area native Kevin Durant, recently expressed interest in becoming a minority partner.
The Commanders announced last week that co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder had hired Bank of America with the intent to “consider potential transactions” in relation to the franchise they’ve owned since 1999. As for whether that means selling all or a minority share, a team spokesman said the plan involves “exploring all options.”
(Photo: Gary Miller / Getty Images)