Patriots Daily: Could Robert Kraft Buy the Boston Celtics?

The Boston Celtics announced yesterday that the ownership stake of Wyc Grousbeck will be put up for sale. This leaves the future ownership of the NBA’s most successful franchise up in the air. While there are likely to be many interested parties, is it possible that New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft will be one of them?

Kraft bought the Patriots in 1994 for $172 million. The franchise is now worth an estimated $6 billion. Meanwhile, Robert Kraft’s net worth is estimated at $11.1 billion. The value of the Boston Celtics is estimated to be roughly $5 billion, though that would be for 100% ownership in the team, which is not necessarily for sale. In other words, Robert Kraft has the money to make it happen.

After the news of the Celtics sale broke yesterday, I asked on X/Twitter which Boston sports owner people would want to buy the Boston Celtics. In the first 20 hours, with over 1,500 votes cast, Robert Kraft is the overwhelming choice with 80.2% of the vote.

If one of the other Boston sports owners buys the Boston Celtics, which one would you want it to be?

— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) July 1, 2024

Good News for Robert Kraft’s Reputation

Kraft’s reputation took a hit over this past offseason. The way the team “parted ways” with Bill Belichick was not popular in all parts. But “The Dynasty” docuseries is where several opinions of the Patriots CEO went south. Belichick received blame for nearly everything that went wrong during his 24 years at the helm. Kraft revealed personal conversations that Belichick had with him. These included convincing him that Tom Brady was heading downhill when the legendary quarterback left for Tampa Bay. The finger-pointing was not well received.

Robert Kraft witnessed the worst Patriots record of his 30-year ownership in 2023. “The Dynasty” helped make for an uncomfortable offseason away from the field. Additionally, the franchised fared poorly on the NFLPA report card. Kraft was on the receiving end of a joke at the Tom Brady roast that was supposed to be off-limits. Bill Belichick received a thunderous ovation at Tom Brady’s Patriots Hall of Fame ceremony. None of this looked great for the public perception of Robert Kraft.

However, the poll indicates that Kraft is still seen as a more competent owner than the other non-Celtics owners in the Boston sports market. Based on the comments, it is likely “none of the above” would have won had it been an option. Just the same, it’s a win for Kraft, something he hasn’t been enjoying enough of lately.

Would Robert Kraft Want to Buy the Celtics?

Robert Kraft is 83 years old. Starting a new venture of that magnitude at this stage in his life is tough to imagine. Furthermore, owning the Boston Celtics would potentially put Kraft in a position he would be uncomfortable with, that of a tenant.

A big part of Kraft’s positioning himself to own the Patriots was buying the land. He became the New England Patriots landlord, giving him a huge advantage when it came to buying the team. However, the Boston Celtics play at TD Garden, which is owned by Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs (CEO of Delaware North). Robert Kraft would want to own the arena his franchise is playing in. This means purchasing TD Garden or building a new home for the Celtics if he bought the franchise. Those options appear less likely.

Thus, it appears unlikely Robert Kraft will dip his toe into the NBA waters and attempt to buy the Boston Celtics. But it is nice for his ego that Boston sports fan at least view him as a more favorable option to his Bruins and Red Sox counterparts. And who knows, if Tom Brady is interested and willing to join forces with Kraft, anything as possible. Stay tuned.

Also in Tuesday’s Patriots Daily:

Daily Patriots Fun Fact

Robert Kraft has owned the New England Patriots for 30 years. That puts him right in the middle of the longest-tenured NFL owners at No. 16. The list ranges from Chicago Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey (1920) at No. 1 to Washington Commanders’ Josh Harris (2023) at No. 32.

Post of the Day

A look at the 2024 Pacifika Goodwill Mission courtesy of New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster’s foundation the JuJu Foundation:

The 2024 PASIFIKA GOODWILL MISSION, presented by the @PolynesianFBHOF, @pasifikaHOF and the @JuJuFoundation was a great success!

We traveled to four countries and a US Territory in just eight days. Nearly 1,000 kids attended our Rugby & Gridiron (American Football) Camps in… pic.twitter.com/C5ChRgNptC

— JuJu Foundation (@JuJuFoundation) July 1, 2024

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