The Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are set to command a record-breaking sale price that could exceed $6 billion, according to the Boston Globe. With at least four bidding groups reportedly in the mix, the sale process is heating up as the January 23 deadline for first-round bids approaches.
The Celtics, fresh off their 18th NBA championship last year, have become the focus of a highly competitive bidding war. The team’s current owners, the Grousbeck family, announced the decision to sell in July 2024 for estate and family planning reasons. This came as a surprise, given their decades of success, including two titles, four Finals appearances, and nine trips to the Eastern Conference Finals since they purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million.
The sale will be conducted in two phases. Initially, the new ownership group will acquire 51% of the team, with the remaining 49% to be transferred by 2028. Current governor Wyc Grousbeck has expressed a desire to remain in his role until the transition is complete, though this will depend on the new owner’s approval.
Among the bidders is a consortium led by current co-owner Steve Pagliuca, ensuring a familiar face remains in the mix. Other contenders remain unnamed but have reportedly undergone NBA vetting. Robert Hale, another Celtics investor, has expressed interest, and Mark Bezos, the brother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, was rumored to be interested earlier in the process.
With Sportico recently valuing the franchise at $5.66 billion and Forbes estimating $6 billion, the Celtics could surpass the record $4.65 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in the NFL. However, some analysts speculate that hitting the $6 billion mark might be challenging, particularly due to financial factors.
The Celtics’ lack of ownership of their home arena, TD Garden, could be a sticking point for potential buyers. The team recently extended its lease for another 12 years, which ensures stability but limits their ability to generate revenue through arena ownership. Additionally, the franchise reportedly faced significant luxury tax penalties last season, resulting in an $80 million loss. These financial challenges could temper the final sale price.
Nevertheless, the prestige of owning a globally recognized team like the Celtics—a franchise synonymous with basketball greatness—makes this an irresistible opportunity for high-profile investors.
A crucial question surrounding the sale is whether the new owner will commit to retaining the Celtics’ core players, including stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Keeping this roster intact for the 2025-26 season would reportedly cost over $500 million in salaries and luxury tax penalties, making it the most expensive roster in NBA history.
The outcome of the sale will also influence the franchise’s ability to invest in future talent, infrastructure, and long-term competitiveness. With a legacy that includes the most championships in NBA history, the new ownership group will inherit not only a successful basketball team but also the expectations of one of the league’s most passionate fanbases.
The Celtics’ impending sale represents a landmark moment in sports history, with a potential $6 billion price tag underscoring the growing financial power of the NBA. As bidders prepare their offers, the basketball world waits to see who will take the reins of this legendary franchise and steer it into its next chapter.
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