Boston Celtics’ sale to draw four bids, expected to break $6 billion barrier

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has approached expansion with caution, taking a wait-and-see approach, especially in light of the ongoing sale of the Boston Celtics. The league is hoping that the sale, which is expected to set a record for franchise value, will provide a benchmark to raise the entry fees for new owners seeking to join the league in the future.

Celtics sale could set a new benchmark for franchise prices

As the first round of bidding for the Boston Celtics is set to close on January 23, sources indicate that at least four, potentially five, prospective buyers will submit offers. The bids are expected to surpass $6 billion, which would set a new record for an NBA franchise sale. Following this initial round, two bidders will be selected to move on to the final stage of bidding in February. 

However, if one of the first-round bids aligns with the expectations of the Grousbeck family, the current owners of the Celtics, the process may end sooner than anticipated. Wyc Grousbeck serves as the majority owner and governor of the team, which has been under the Grousbeck family’s ownership for years.

Grousbecks' strategy to maximize sale price

The timing of these announcements is particularly intriguing, as it is likely a strategic move by the Grousbecks to increase the sale price. The family’s decision to sell the team just after the Celtics secured the 2024 NBA Championship raised eyebrows, but it also positioned them to sell at the peak of the team’s value. The reported influx of high-value bids further supports this strategy.

While the identities of all the bidders remain undisclosed, reports indicate that current Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca is leading one consortium and the Fenway Sports Group, which owns the Boston Red Sox, the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Liverpool FC, is also expected to submit an offer.

The changing nature of NBA ownership

Mark Cuban, who recently decided to sell his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks, has discussed the shift in NBA ownership dynamics. According to Cuban, NBA ownership is evolving from a tech-driven model to one more focused on real estate. Teams and new arenas are now central to broader development plans, a direction that Cuban believes doesn’t align with his expertise. This shift in focus is likely a factor influencing the Grousbeck family’s decision to sell at this particular moment.

The new owners of the Celtics will inherit a title-contending team, but they will also face some significant financial challenges. With the 2025-26 roster projected to cost over $500 million in salaries and luxury tax penalties, sustaining such high costs could prove difficult for any owner in the long term. These financial concerns will play a key role in shaping the future of the franchise.