LeBron James could buy the Boston Celtics!

The iconic basketball franchise of the Boston Celtics could be on the verge of changing hands, as Fenway Sports Group, owner of the Boston Red Sox, and RedBird Capital, with close ties to LeBron James, are seriously considering making a bid to acquire the team. Sources close to the situation have revealed that the possibility of both entities purchasing the current NBA champions is real, which could significantly alter the sports landscape in Boston.

LeBron James, star of the Los Angeles Lakers and partner at RedBird Capital, cannot be part of the Celtics ownership at this time due to his active NBA player contract. However, since the sale will take place in two stages, with 49% of the team up for sale by 2028, James could become a co-owner of one of his current team's major rivals after he retires.

The sale process has formally begun, with JPMorgan and BDT & MSD Partners hired to handle the transaction, as reported by Sportico. Despite the franchise reportedly not generating significant profits, the Celtics are seeking a record price of $6 billion, a figure that reflects both their legacy and recent success in winning their 18th NBA title.

Fenway Sports Group, in addition to owning the Red Sox, also possesses the sports television network NESN, as well as the soccer team Liverpool FC and the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins. Acquiring the Celtics would bolster their presence in the Boston sports market and could lead to Celtics games being broadcast on NESN, although the team currently has a media agreement with NBC Boston that does not expire until 2038.

Besides Fenway and RedBird, other potential buyers have shown interest. Longtime Celtics minority owner Stephen Pagliuca has already expressed his intention to bid for the team. Pagliuca owns about 20% of the franchise and could leverage this stake to acquire a larger portion with a smaller investment compared to other competitors.

Rumors have also surfaced about the Koch family's possible involvement, having recently acquired a 15% stake in the Brooklyn Nets for a valuation of $3.8 billion. However, sources close to the Koch family have dismissed the idea of them being involved in buying the Celtics, as they appear content with their stake in the Nets.

The Celtics Are Up for Sale

Wyc Grousbeck, the current majority owner of the Celtics, has put 51% of the team up for sale and plans to sell the remaining 49% when he steps down as the team's governor in 2028. "This is going to be a fairly competitive bidding process," Grousbeck stated in an interview with CNBC last July. "We're going to try to find the right buyer."

The sale of the Celtics could be one of the largest transactions in NBA history, especially considering the team faces a luxury tax record of $280 million next season and projects combined salary and tax costs of $513 million for the 2025-26 season. These factors, along with not owning the TD Garden, make acquiring the Celtics a significant financial challenge for any new owner.

While NBA franchise prices have substantially increased in recent years, the sale of the Celtics could set a new benchmark in the league. Fenway Sports Group and RedBird Capital, along with LeBron James, could be on the verge of adding another significant chapter to Boston's rich sports history.

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