Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and billionaire entrepreneur, may become the owner of the NBA team Boston Celtics, as revealed by insider Bill Simmons in his podcast.
In the last few days, there's been some, I think, legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics. I think it's real. I think he's going to be one of the suitors.
It was previously reported that the current owner of the Boston Celtics, Wyc Grousbeck, has put the franchise up for sale. The investment group led by Grousbeck purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million. The ownership group's board plans to sell a majority stake in the team by 2024 or early 2025, with the deal expected to be finalized by 2028.
In 2023, three NBA teams changed hands: Michael Jordan sold the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion, the Dallas Mavericks were sold for $3.9 billion, and American billionaire Matt Ishbia acquired the Phoenix Suns for a record-breaking $4 billion. The sale of the Celtics is anticipated to exceed this record.
Forbes valued the franchise at $4 billion last year, and this figure is likely to increase following the NBA playoffs of the 2023/24 season, where Boston triumphed over the Dallas Mavericks with a 4-1 series victory, claiming the tournament championship title. For the Celtics, this marked their 18th title, making them the most successful team in NBA history, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers. According to Sportico, the sale of the Celtics could net their owners over $5.1 billion.
In addition, Bezos is the founder and owner of the aerospace company Blue Origin and the head of the publishing house The Washington Post. As of summer 2024, Forbes estimates Bezos’ net worth at $216.5 billion.
