In a development that has sent shockwaves through the sports world, rumors are swirling that Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and world’s second-richest individual, may be preparing a monumental $6 billion offer to acquire the Boston Celtics. This news, which has gained substantial traction, suggests that Bezos might be eyeing the fourth most valuable team in the NBA, further fueling speculation about his expanding interests in sports ownership.
The buzz around Bezos’ potential acquisition was prominently highlighted by Bill Simmons, the renowned sports media personality and Boston native. On his podcast, Simmons revealed that the chatter about Bezos buying the Celtics has intensified in recent days. “In the last few days, there’s been some legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics and I think it’s real,” Simmons said. “I think he’s going to be one of the suitors.”
The Celtics, who have just celebrated their victory in the 2024 NBA Finals, were unexpectedly put on the market by Boston Basketball Partners LLC, led by majority owner Wyc Grousbeck. This decision came on the heels of their championship triumph, adding an intriguing twist to the franchise’s future. According to Forbes, the team’s valuation has surged to an estimated $4.7 billion, making it the fourth most valuable franchise in the league.
A potential $6 billion offer from Bezos would represent a significant 24.29% premium over the current valuation. Given Bezos’ net worth of $195.3 billion, he is one of the few individuals with the financial clout to entertain such a high-stakes purchase. This move would also align with his previous interests in sports team ownership. Notably, Bezos was linked to a bid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders before losing out to Josh Harris, according to NBC Sports.
The acquisition process for the Celtics could be complex. Grousbeck has outlined a two-part sale structure: 51% of the team would be sold immediately, with the remaining 49% changing hands in 2028. This staggered approach adds layers of intricacy to the transaction, particularly for high-profile bidders like Bezos.
For Bezos, owning the Celtics would go beyond a mere trophy asset. Amazon Prime is slated to begin broadcasting NBA games in 2025, which could create intriguing synergies between Bezos’ team ownership and Amazon’s media ventures. This strategic alignment could offer Bezos unique advantages in both sports and media markets.
However, the new owner of the Celtics will face substantial financial challenges. Athlon Sports reports that the team is expected to incur luxury tax penalties starting in 2025, driven by efforts to maintain its competitive roster. These financial considerations will be crucial for any prospective buyer, including Bezos.
Should Bezos secure the Celtics, he would join a growing list of business magnates making waves in sports ownership. This includes figures like Mark Cuban, who owns a stake in the Dallas Mavericks; Steve Ballmer, owner of the Los Angeles Clippers; and David Tepper, who owns the Carolina Panthers. The prospect of Bezos joining this elite group adds an exciting dimension to the sports ownership landscape.
While the speculation around Bezos’ bid remains just that—speculative—Chris Mannix, a senior writer at Sports Illustrated, has hinted that a potential Bezos-Celtics partnership would be met with enthusiasm. Mannix suggested on X (formerly Twitter) that such a bid would “undoubtedly” be welcomed.
As the speculation continues, the idea of Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder, taking a courtside seat to watch the Celtics face off against other NBA giants, including Mark Cuban’s Mavericks, seems increasingly plausible. The unfolding drama promises to keep sports fans and business observers on the edge of their seats.
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