Update on Jeff Bezos' interest in acquiring Celtics

The basketball world was sent into a tailspin this week when The Ringer's Bill Simmons reported that Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, was interested in acquiring the Boston Celtics.

The report led many to wonder what it would mean for the world's second-richest man to own the NBA's winningest franchise, and how the potential move could impact the longstanding culture of the Celtics.

Those questions can be put to rest if Nick Wingfield of The Information is to be believed. On Tuesday, Wingfield reported that Bezos "has no plans to bid" on the Celtics, per a source close to the billionaire.

"Since Monday, sports media has been abuzz about the possibility that the billionaire founder of Amazon was considering making an offer for the team, after podcaster Bill Simmons gave credence to the rumors in an episode of his show," Wingfield wrote. "But according to the person close to Bezos, there's "zero truth" to the idea that Bezos is interested in bidding on the team."

Wingfield, a veteran technology correspondent, has a history of covering Bezos and Amazon for various outlets such as WSJ, The New York Times and The Information. As such, there's credence to his report, which is likely an accurate representation of Bezos' interest in purchasing the Celtics.

The Celtics are valued at $5.12 billion, according to Sportico , and are projected to be available for sale at approximately $6 billion, per various insiders. That amount would be nearly $2 billion more than what Mat Ishbia paid for the Phoenix Suns last year.

Bezos was previously earmarked as a suitor for NFL franchises such as the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks. While the Commanders were sold to a Josh Harris-led group for $6.05 billion in 2023, the Seahawks' potential sale was delayed due to complications following the death of owner Paul Allen.

In the meantime, Bezos will begin his relationship with the NBA starting with the 2025-2026 season when Amazon Prime Video airs 66 regular-season games and knockout games of the in-season tournament.