Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is reportedly interested in buying the Boston Celtics, NBA insider and lifelong Celtics fan Bill Simmons claimed in the latest episode of his podcast released on Monday (August 19).
Simmons made the allegation alongside author Chuck Klosterman while discussing the Grusbeck family’s plans to sell the Celtics, which were made public after the team won their league-record 18th NBA championship in June.
“There’s been rumors floating around for the last few days about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics, which I believe is true, and I think he would be one of the candidates to buy,” Simmons said. “And it got me thinking: Why would Jeff Bezos be looking at the Celtics, what does he see? What does he want? The only reason it makes sense is, I mean, sure, he has a ton of money, but it’s one of the premier franchises, right? So I get it. For him, it would be no different than buying this famous, giant, $300 million yacht. But I think it’s a real possibility that he’s involved in this acquisition.”
Simmons claimed the NBA wanted the Celtics to be sold for a target price of $6 billion.
“It’s a crazy amount of money, but they’ll probably get it,” Simmons said. “The reason they want $6 billion is because they want expansion teams in Seattle and Las Vegas. Mexico City has been floated as a third team. But they’re willing to pay $6 billion each to two franchises for expansion. That means all 30 NBA owners will get a check for $400 million.”
Bezos, the world’s second-richest person with a net worth of $196.7 billion, was previously rumored to be interested in buying the Washington Commanders, but the deal was ultimately sold to Josh Harris and reserves, who reportedly “outbid” the Amazon founder, according to the Financial Times. The Celtics’ owners announced plans to sell the team “given their legacy and family planning considerations,” and expect a new majority shareholder to purchase the franchise this year or next, with the remaining ownership stake to be sold in 2028.
Wyck Grusbeck, who took over from his father Irv as Celtics general manager, said he plans to remain in the same role until the franchise is sold for good in four years.
“The sale will be in two parts, with 51% sold immediately and 49% sold in a second sale, which we expect will happen in 2028,” Grousbeck told CNBC in July. “I intend to stay on through 2028, or will stay on. I’ll be bringing on bankers and advisors. This is going to be quite a bidding process.”