There have been ongoing rumors for over a month now regarding the potential purchase of the majority stake in the Celtics by Amazon founder and billionaire Jeff Bezos.
However, one source close to the situation has denied these rumors.
Podcaster and self-proclaimed Boston enthusiast Bill Simmons generated more buzz earlier this week when he mentioned, “…In the past few days, there has been some significant buzz about Jeff Bezos acquiring the Celtics, and I believe it is legitimate. I think he will be one of the buyers.”
Considering the Celtics’ current owner is looking to sell for approximately $6 billion and Bezos is one of the wealthiest individuals globally, Simmons’ reporting seems unlikely.
Furthermore, Bezos has shown interest in acquiring the NFL team, the Washington Commanders, not long ago.
However, Nick Wingfield of The Information contradicts Simmons’ statements.
He stated, “Since Monday, the sports media has been abuzz with the rumor that the billionaire founder of Amazon is considering making an offer for the team, following podcaster Bill Simmons lending credibility to the rumors on his show. But according to a source close to Bezos, there is ‘zero truth’ to the notion that Bezos is considering bidding on the team.”
NBC Sports’ Tom E. Curran expressed his concerns during Monday’s Early Edition about Bezos becoming an owner.
“It would be a significant change and would likely draw global attention to the Garden — or the Amazon.com Stadium, as it may be renamed — in some way,” Curran explained. “It would bring about a different atmosphere. Do we really need this kind of transformation in the area to push it forward from its more traditional roots? I’m not sure, I rather like it as it is, but perhaps others may see the potential. I’m hesitant, but I can also see the positives.”
