The Washington Commanders may have engaged in potentially unlawful financial conduct for more than 10 years by withholding ticket revenue from visiting teams and refundable deposits from fans. The allegations come from the U.S. House Oversight Committee said in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission.
In a 20-page letter, congressional leaders said they appeared to have uncovered information indicating that the organization, including team owner Daniel Snyder, may have been involved in “troubling” financial misconduct and withheld millions from the NFL.
Lawmakers cited testimony from a former employee who claimed the team had kept two separate financial books — one with the underreported ticket revenue that went to the NFL and another with the full picture. The employee said Snyder was aware of the situation.
Ticket revenue is shared with all 32 clubs in the league, with 40% of it deposited in a visiting team fund.
Congressional lawmakers have been investigating Washington over allegations of workplace misconduct after the league didn’t disclose a report detailing the findings of an independent probe into the matter. The investigation expanded after testimony from former employees.
Washington released a statement on allegations of financial misconduct on March 31.
“The team categorically denies any suggestion of financial impropriety of any kind at any time. We adhere to strict internal processes that are consistent with industry and accounting standards, are audited annually by a globally respected independent auditing firm, and are also subject to regular audits by the NFL. We continue to cooperate fully with the Committee’s work.”
