He created Amazon. He’s even been to space.
With his deep pockets, there’s not much billionaire icon Jeff Bezos can’t add to his proverbial bucket list.
But just when you thought Bezos has it all, he’s reportedly eying his next venture.
Purchasing one of the world’s most iconic sports franchises.
According to NBA insider Bill Simmons, Bezos is interested in purchasing the Boston Celtics.
Jeff Bezos is interested in buying the Celtics, per @BillSimmons
“In the last few days there’s been some I think legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics, and I think it’s real. I think he’s gonna be one of the suitors.”
(h/t @BASKETBALLonX ) pic.twitter.com/tVUFXPFTYW
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 19, 2024
While speaking on his podcast Monday, Simmons reported Bezos has interest in purchasing the Celtics. The Grousbeck family put the iconic franchise on sale after the team won the NBA title back in June — a move that stunned many NBA insiders.
“In the last few days there’s been some I think legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics, and I think it’s real. I think he’s gonna be one of the suitors,” said Simmons. “Which got me thinking, why would Jeff Bezos, when he’s looking at the Celtics, what is he seeing? What does he want?”
Simmons also said the NBA wants the Celtics to sell for $6 billion, as that is their target fee for expansion teams.
“It’s a crazy price, but they’re probably gonna get it,” Simmons said. “They want the $6 billion because they want expansion teams in Seattle and Vegas — and Mexico City’s kind of looming as the third team — but they want to get $6 billion apiece for the two franchises for expansion, which would mean a check of $400 million to every NBA owner, all 30.”
This would not be Bezos’ first time attempting to purchase a sports franchise.
He also put his name in the running to purchase the Washington Commanders (formally Redskins) from Dan Snyder. However the Financial Times reported in June that Bezos was “simply outbid” by Josh Harris, the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers owner who bought the NFL team for $6.05 billion.
Listen to Simmons’ entire take on the potential business marriage between Bezos and the Celtics:
Could Jeff Bezos buy the Boston Celtics?@BillSimmons shares what he's hearing regarding the sale of the team and how it ties into the price of future expansion franchises: pic.twitter.com/HI7KyUIanj
— The Ringer (@ringer) August 19, 2024