The time has come: The Commanders’ sale was unanimously approved by the NFL. Fans have long waited to be rid of Dan Snyder and usher in a new era of not just wins, but restoring pride to the team.

In order for the $6.05 billion sale to move forward, 75% of NFL owners had to approve it. Today, team owners gathered in Minneapolis and voted in favor of the purchase by Josh Harris’ investment group. Harris, a former Montgomery County resident, also owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. The group joining him for the Commanders purchase includes local billionaire Mitchell Rales, co-founder of the massive Danaher Corp. and of the widely popular Glenstone Museum in Potomac, NBA star Magic Johnson, and local businessman Mark Ein, who owns Washington City Paper, the Washington Kastles, and a local esports team.

“Josh will be a great addition to the NFL. He has a remarkable record in business, sports, and in his communities,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “The diverse group that Josh has put together is outstanding for its business acumen and strong Washington ties, and we welcome them to the NFL as well.”

The new transition of power marks the end of the controversial, and highly-critiqued reign of Snyder – 24 years defined by lawsuits, sexual harassment scandals, a toxic workplace culture, and a losing team. In addition to the sale approval, the NFL also released the findings of an independent investigation into the Commanders over allegations of misconduct and financial wrongdoing, conducted over 17 months by former U.S. Attorney and SEC Chair Mary Jo White. Snyder will have to pay $60 million to the league in resolution of Ms. White’s findings and all outstanding matters.

“The conduct substantiated in Ms. White’s findings has no place in the NFL,” Goodell said. “We strive for workplaces that are safe, respectful and professional. What Ms. Johnston experienced is inappropriate and contrary to the NFL’s values.”

While awaiting the results of the owners’ vote, longtime Commanders fans shared their thoughts on Snyder and hopes for the future of the team.

Lisa Bland Malone is a third-generation Washingtonian and has been a Commanders fan well before Dan Snyder took control of the team in 1999. Her father had season tickets and would take her to games back when the team still played in RFK Stadium.

“My family, the Bland family, have had tickets to the Washington football team games for 60 years,” Lisa says.

Lisa remembers the Commanders as a proud franchise with a once highly-respected reputation. Before Snyder, the team was owned by Jack Kent Cooke, and during his ownership, they won three Super Bowl championships – two of which Lisa attended.

But under Snyder, Lisa says she feels bad the younger generation, like her 30-year-old son KC Malone, didn’t get to experience the joy and pride she knew growing up. KC says he felt the same way. As a dedicated fan who attends every home game, Snyder’s shadow was a juxtaposition to what makes the franchise so beloved, KC says.

“As long as I’ve known, there’s always been this dark cloud, this dark stain,” KC says. “Whether it be on field performance is abysmal, and then as of recent news that’s come out of even worse off-the-field situations with misconduct and assaults; it’s just the Daniel Snyder cloud for my era.”

But despite dealing with the Snyder cloud, KC’s love and passion for the team – along with that of his family and friends – are steadfast. They always had hope for that big win and a brighter day.

“Everything I like in life, in a small microcosm of four hours, happens in that place. I don’t even know if it’s so much that I love football,” KC says. “I think for me it’s a family aspect, but also it kind of represents the essence of D.C. as I know it. And I just love the camaraderie that comes with being out in the game, meeting new people. It’s a very joyous event.”

31-year-old Jesse Gauthier is a friend of KC’s and has been a fan of the team since he was eight years old. He was literally born right when the Commanders won their last Super Bowl in 1992, and has only known Snyder and his losing streak. Gauthier says he was initially skeptical the sale would actually happen. It’s not that common for an NFL team to be sold, so for it to go through would be a huge milestone.

“I cannot wait to see how the team can sort of be reborn at this point,” Gauthier says.

Now, with the sale approved and set to be finalized tomorrow, that hope may become a reality with the new owners.

“After 24 years of heartbreak, turmoil, chaos, and broken promises and just ongoing disappointment, it was just such a wonderful day to hear that he was going to sell the team,” Lisa says. “And I just thought that in my lifetime, Daniel Snyder would be the only owner of my Washington football team, but now that the Josh Harris Group is set to purchase the team, I’m just overjoyed.”

After the sales’ approval, there’s speculation that the new owners will show up at a pep rally tomorrow at FedEx Field. Fans can RSVP here.

The fate of the stadium is still up in the air with, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland all vying for the opportunity to be home to the team. No matter where the stadium goes, Harris’ team will have to make a big investment decision fast, with the contract at FedEx Field expiring after 2027.