Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly exploring the possibility of purchasing the Boston Celtics, according to Bill Simmons from The Ringer.
The NBA is targeting a $6 billion price tag for the franchise as part of a broader strategy aimed at facilitating league expansion. This price point is being tested to establish a benchmark for potential expansion teams in Seattle, Las Vegas, and possibly Mexico City, with each new team expected to contribute $6 billion, translating to $400 million for each of the current 30 NBA owners.
The push to sell the Celtics is allegedly being driven by Irving Grousbeck, father of current majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, who is seeking the highest possible return.
Bezos, as the world’s second-richest person, is seen as a likely candidate to meet this hefty price.
Financially, the Celtics are a high-spending team, with salaries exceeding $200 million annually for the next four seasons, positioning them as a luxury tax-paying team for the foreseeable future.
The recent signings of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who inked record-breaking contracts, contribute significantly to this financial outlook. The potential sale could have far-reaching implications for the team’s future and the broader landscape of the NBA.
