Does The Eagles Owner Want To Buy A Philadelphia Rival?

"The Celtics, it was their first round of buyers, they had to cut down their prospective buyers," Simmons explained. "Four or five people made the first round. One of the people was the Eagles owner, Jeffrey Lurie, who is apparently from Massachusetts."

Lurie's deep ties to the Boston area make the prospect particularly intriguing. A native of Newton, Massachusetts, Lurie boasts degrees from Clark University (B.A.), Boston University (M.A.), and Brandeis University (Ph.D.). His estimated net worth of $5.3 billion provides him with the financial heft necessary to join the Celtics' bidding war, which is expected to reach historic figures.

The potential sale follows Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck's announcement of plans to sell the franchise. Grousbeck, who led the group's $360 million purchase of the Celtics in 2002, outlined a two-stage sale structure in July.

"The expectation is to sell the team in two parts with 51 percent going fairly soon, [and the] 49 percent then closing in second closing. That's the expectation in 2028," Grousbeck told CNBC. "We’re going to hire bankers and advisers. This is going to be quite the bidding process."

The sale is expected to set a new NBA valuation benchmark, potentially surpassing the $6 billion mark, which would eclipse the $4 billion record set by Matt Ishbia's acquisition of the Phoenix Suns.

Lurie’s ownership track record with the Eagles has been nothing short of transformative. Since purchasing the franchise in 1994, he has overseen four Super Bowl appearances and the team’s first-ever championship in 2017. His reputation as a forward-thinking, player-focused owner would align well with the Celtics' storied history and championship pedigree.

This wouldn’t be the first time a Philadelphia sports owner ventured into rival territory. Recently, 76ers owner Josh Harris acquired the Washington Commanders, sparking mixed reactions from Philadelphia fans. While Harris’ ownership drew concerns about divided loyalties, Lurie’s cross-sport venture into the NBA might ease such worries.

If Lurie’s bid is successful, it would mark a new chapter in his storied career as a sports magnate and further cement his connection to his Massachusetts roots. For now, Eagles fans will hope that Lurie’s off-the-field pursuits don’t distract from the team’s Super Bowl ambitions, with kickoff against the Chiefs set for February 9.