Jeff Bezos reportedly declines to buy stakes in Celtics

Nick Wingfield of The Information confirmed Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos isn't interested in buying stakes in the Boston Celtics. The Celtic's ownership group began looking to sell the team in July 2024. Boston Basketball Partners L.L.C. has decided to sell the team for estate and family planning considerations.

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This report goes against sportswriter Bill Simmons's claims that the businessman hoped to purchase the franchise. Simmons shared this scoop on his podcast, The Bill Simmons Podcast.

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"I think it's real. I think he's going to be one of the suitors," Simmons said about the potential of Bezos' involvement with the Boston team.

Considering the price for the franchise could go up to $6 billion, the $195 billion-worth mogul could be a prime suitor.

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"The league wants $6 billion for the team, for the Celtics. They don't own their arena. It's a crazy price, but they're probably going to get it. They want the $6 billion because they want expansion teams in Seattle and Vegas, and Mexico City is kind of looming as a third team. But they want to get $6 billion apiece for two franchises for expansion, which would mean a check of $400 million to every NBA owner, all 30. So they're trying to establish a price for this Celtics team."

Boston recently won the 2024 NBA championship against the Dallas Mavericks. As a franchise, they have a bright future with their All-Star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

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Boston Globe writer shared why John Henry won't buy the Celtics

Aside from Bezos, the owner of the Boston Red Sox, John Henry was linked as a potential buyer of the Celtics. After the NBA team became available, the Henry-led Fenway Sports Group took an interest in buying the franchise.

However, Boston Globe writer Tony Massarotti shared that Henry is unlikely to purchase the team.

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"When John Henry has bought franchises, he has bought undervalued signature franchises," Massarotti explained. "The Red Sox were undervalued and had greater capacity for growth than they were getting under the Yawkey Trust.. ... There was a lot of chance here for growth and income, which is why it interested the Fenway Sports Group."

Given that the current Boston ownership group will likely ask for $6 billion, buying at that price would go against Henry's pattern of acquiring sports franchises. He purchased the Red Sox for $380 million back in 2002. He also owns Liverpool FC and bought the team for £300 million.

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