Since Wyc Grousbeck announced he would be selling his share of the Celtics in July many have been speculating who the next owner will be. While Wyc will remain the owner until 2028 several names have been floated as the replacement. These names include Fenway Sports Group with current Red Sox owner John Henry and LeBron James. Current Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca is also said to be in the mix. On a recent podcast NBA analyst and iconic Celtics fan Bill Simmons suggested Amazon founder Jeff Bezos could be the next Celtics owner. Let’s explore the possibility of Bezos owning the Celtics and what it would mean for the team.
Bill Simmons Believes Jeff Bezos is a Candidate to Buy The Celtics
From last night’s pod – why I think Jeff Bezos is a legitimate suitor to buy the Celtics (and what the NBA wants the price to be). pic.twitter.com/O6nrVcYf9I
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) August 19, 2024
Simmons, notes there has been “legitimate buzz” around Bezos buying the Celtics. Bezos is one of the world’s richest people making him one of the more intriguing possible Celtics owners. A potential Bezos-Celtics sale would likely go for a record price. Currently, the Washington Commanders sale of $6.05 billion dollars is the record across all sports. However, many are expecting the Celtics to exceed this number. Simmons mentions that the NBA wants the Celtics to sell for over $6 billion dollars to help with expansion. This makes sense as the NBA has been reported to be eyeing expansion within the next couple of years. A record purchase of a franchise would help jack up the prices of the future expansion teams.
Additionally, Simmons mentioned how Bezos might want to own an iconic franchise and the possibility of him building a world-class new arena. Bezos is the world’s second richest person with an absurd net worth of $196 billion dollars so this could certainly be in play. Notably, Bezos would be the league’s richest owner. Steve Ballmer currently holds that title with a net worth of $121 billion dollars. Speculation of Bezos buying began shortly after Wyc announced his intentions to sell the team and Bezos sold $5 billion dollars of Amazon’s stock as the Celtics were rumored to sell for within this range.
Bezos’ Interset Adds Up
Bezos was interested in buying the Commanders back in 2023 so it’s very plausible he is interested in buying the Celtics. While Bezos didn’t buy the team, it proves he has interest in owning a sports team. It makes sense why he would want to buy one he has an absurd amount of money and buying a sports team especially an iconic franchise would be a good return on investment. Some have also wondered if Bezos could be in play for the Seattle expansion team as that’s where Amazon headquarters are.
However, Bezos owning the Celtics would benefit all parties and it might end up being the team he buys. Bezos can certainly afford to own the Celtics and as Simmons mentioned owning an iconic franchise would be enticing. Furthermore, Bezos owning an NBA team is also intriguing as Amazon is included in their new TV deal. A record sale for the NBA would financially benefit the league. For the Celtics Bezos would be able to spend big greatly helping with their cap situation.
The Celtics Cap Situation
In the second apron era, Boston is set to be historically expensive. Having an owner who is willing and able to pay off a massive luxury tax bill each year is ideal. After offseason extensions to Jayson Tatum, and Derrick White the Celtics have their core locked up for the foreseeable future. However, the Celtics are one of four teams in the second apron.
Notably, all of the Celtics starting lineups have an average annual value (AAV) of $29 million dollars or more. With Tatum and Jaylen Brown on supermax contracts, the Celtics are particularly expensive. The Celtics’ total payroll exceeds $200 million. In the 2025-26 season, Boston’s luxury tax bill will surpass their payroll. This means the roster will cost close to $500 million dollars.
Largest luxury tax bill in Celtics history:
🔺$69M (2022-23)Largest luxury tax bill in NBA history:
🔺$176M (Warriors 2023-24)Celtics estimated luxury tax bill in 2025-26:
🔺$250 MILLIONThe roster will cost $470-500 MILLION!! pic.twitter.com/5W8dXblbj0
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) July 1, 2024
Nevertheless, the Celtics have a championship core capable of replicating their success for several years. While the luxury tax bill will be enormous and the second-apron penalties will be challenging it’s worth it with this elite core. Even though a sale with Bezos or another owner won’t take place until 2028 it’s fair to predict the Celtics will still be highly expensive and championship contenders. Ultimately finding an owner who will continue to invest in this roster no matter how expensive it gets should be a priority.
