Philadelphia Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie addressed speculation around his interest in acquiring an ownership stake in the Boston Celtics, stating firmly that he is not pursuing such a move. During a media appearance on Super Bowl opening night, Lurie commented, “I’m not really interested in acquiring another sports team.” He acknowledged a longstanding emotional connection to the Celtics, as they were his childhood team, remarking, “I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for their whole culture.”
Lurie, who has deep ties to New England sports, notably made an unsuccessful bid to purchase the New England Patriots in 1994 before acquiring the Eagles for $195 million. The value of the Eagles has dramatically increased over the years, estimated now at around $8 billion. In a strategic move late last year, Lurie sold an 8 percent stake of the franchise to outside investors for over $600 million.
The speculation about Lurie’s interest in the Celtics arose from a recent report, yet he clarified that his primary focus remains on the Eagles. He expressed admiration for the Celtics’ ownership under Wyc Grousbeck and emphasized his commitment to bringing another Super Bowl victory to Philadelphia, stating, “My whole focus is on my love of the Eagles and to win another Super Bowl for Philadelphia.”
This clarification from Lurie not only puts to rest rumors about potential ownership shifts but also reinforces his dedication to the Eagles and their future success. Fans of the team can feel reassured knowing that their leader is singularly focused on achieving glory for Philadelphia.