Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon and one of the world's wealthiest individuals, is rumored to be interested in purchasing the Boston Celtics. The speculation originated from Bill Simmons of The Ringer, who reported on his podcast that there is "legitimate buzz" about Bezos being one of the top suitors for the iconic NBA franchise (Sporting News).
The Celtics are currently owned by Wyc Grousbeck and his father Irv, who have been at the helm since 2002. However, the Grousbeck family is reportedly planning to sell the team, largely due to estate and family considerations, with a majority stake expected to be sold by 2025 (Sporting News). Given Bezos' history of exploring sports ownership opportunities—most recently with the NFL's Washington Commanders—his immense wealth makes him a strong contender for the Celtics.
Bezos' interest in the Celtics would not only bolster the team's financial position, especially with a heavy luxury tax burden due to high player salaries, but could also lead to potential infrastructure changes. For instance, the Celtics currently play at TD Garden, which they rent from the NHL's Boston Bruins. Simmons suggested that Bezos could possibly explore building a basketball-specific arena, which would offer more control and branding opportunities for the team (Sporting News) .
If Bezos were to acquire the Celtics, it would mark a major shift in the ownership landscape of the NBA, with one of the world's richest men at the helm of one of its most storied franchises. Although the final decision is yet to be made, the rumors continue to fuel speculation and excitement in the basketball world.
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