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Tim McManus
NEW ORLEANS — Philadelphia Eagles chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie said Monday he is not pursuing an ownership stake in the NBA’s Boston Celtics, disputing a report.
“I’m not really interested in acquiring another sports team,” Lurie said on Super Bowl opening night. “I think it’s connected because they were my childhood team. I’ve got a tremendous amount of respect for their whole culture. I sort of see it as like a kindred soul in the NBA.”
Lurie was born and raised in Massachusetts and grew up a fan of New England sports. He attempted to buy the Patriots in 1994 but lost to Robert Kraft. Months later, Lurie purchased the Eagles for $195 million.
The valuation of the franchise has since ballooned to around $8 billion. Lurie sold 8 percent of the franchise to outside investors for over $600 million in December.
A recent report from the Ringer said that Lurie was in the running to buy the Celtics, but that doesn’t seem likely.
“Wyc [Grousbeck] has been an outstanding owner. I love the way they’ve developed that team,” Lurie said. “We’ve got to celebrate so many banners over the years. But it’s not something that’s top of mind. My whole focus is on my love of the Eagles and to win another Super Bowl for Philadelphia. I’m obsessed, as you know.”