“Boston Celtics’ Ownership Shake-Up: Tatum and Fans React to Surprising Sale Announcement”
Many were taken by surprise when it was announced that the Boston Celtics were up for sale. Among those astonished by the news was Jayson Tatum.
Chris Mannix from Sports Illustrated, reporting from Tatum’s “JT Elite Camp” in Las Vegas, revealed that Tatum was “shocked” to learn of Wyc Grousbeck’s decision to sell his stake in the recently crowned NBA champions. Tatum expressed hope that the team’s “foundation and structure doesn’t change,” emphasizing the success they have built.
The unexpected announcement came just a week after the Celtics celebrated their 18th championship with a duck boat parade in Boston. Although the next owner remains uncertain, co-owner Steve Pagliuca announced on X (formerly Twitter) his intention to participate in the bidding.
According to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the sale won’t include the entire investment group from 2002, and the process may take several years to complete, possibly concluding by the end of this year. The managing board aims to sell a majority stake by 2024 or early 2025, with the remainder closing in 2028. Wyc Grousbeck is expected to stay on as Governor until the final closing.
The Celtics are heading into the 2024-25 season with most of their championship roster intact. They recently signed Tatum to a record-breaking $315 million contract over five years and extended Derrick White’s contract for four years at $125 million.
The future owner, whether Pagliuca or another party, will inherit several hefty contracts, including Jaylen Brown’s five-year, $285 million deal, Jrue Holiday’s four-year, $134 million extension, and Kristaps Porzingis’s two-year, $60 million contract.
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