Deep pockets or deep roots? Exploring the Celtics sale dilemma originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Deep pockets or deep roots.
That feels like the dilemma that Celtics fans — and maybe even the Grousbeck family — will have to navigate as the team installs a new majority owner.
Do you prefer someone with a connection to the city at the helm, or just want someone with a limitless checkbook who can keep this championship roster intact long term? In most spots, this is an easy decision: Find the person with the biggest bank account and let the fun begin.
As the Celtics like to point out, it’s different here.
All has been quiet — maybe a little too quiet — on the ownership front this summer after Boston Basketball Partners LLC announced their intent to sell a majority stake of the Celtics in the immediate aftermath of Boston’s title season. Their press release suggested a sale by the end of 2024 or early 2025.
Back in July, during an appearance on CNBC, Wyc Grousbeck noted, “We haven’t even begun the [sale] process but the [Grousbeck] family has agreed to find a new ownership group coming in that will make everybody proud of the Celtics moving forward.”
Everyone’s definition of “proud” is probably slightly different. Some will proudly embrace an outsider if they are willing to write the checks for the unprecedented luxury tax bills the Celtics are steamrolling toward. Others will be proud if the Celtics install a group helmed by someone with a connection to the team, particularly someone with ties to the most current ownership group.
Current Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca has already expressed a desire to bid for the Grousbeck family shares. The question is whether he can create a group with enough money to outbid any of the tech billionaires that might emerge as a suitor.
On his podcast this week, Bill Simmons noted how whispers have increased about Amazon owner Jeff Bezos potentially joining the bidding for the Celtics.
The speculation has always been that Bezos would be most interested in a potential Seattle expansion team, especially with Amazon headquartered there. It’s also not hard to…
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