Rumors have been swirling on social media about Amazon founder Jeff Bezos potentially buying the OKC Thunder. With a net worth of around $224 billion, Bezos has been linked to NBA ownership in the past, including possible interest in a Seattle expansion team and the Boston Celtics.
An account on X, formerly known as Twitter, named Jake Morrison, claimed Bezos was eyeing the defending NBA champions, valued at $4.35 billion. But let's set the record straight: this is all satire. The account is known for creating fake headlines to stir reactions, including a recent claim about Steph Curry gaining weight while sidelined for the Golden State Warriors.
The rumor also nods to the OKC Thunder's history with the Seattle SuperSonics. Given Amazon's Seattle roots, it's not surprising that Bezos' name pops up in connection with the city's sports franchises. He's even been mentioned as a potential buyer for the Seattle Seahawks, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
While parody accounts abound on social media, the notion of Bezos entering the NBA ownership arena isn't outlandish. After all, Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO, owns the LA Clippers.
Bezos' name has surfaced in the context of other NBA team sales. Following the Boston Celtics' 2024 NBA championship, the franchise went on the market.
Although Bezos was rumored to be interested, an ownership group led by Bill Chisholm and Aditya Mittal ultimately purchased the team for $6.1 billion. Bezos was also linked to the sale of the Seattle Seahawks, currently owned by the Paul G.
Allen Estate, which also owns the Portland Trail Blazers.
Bezos had previously been a contender for the Washington Commanders, but the team was sold to Josh Harris, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils.
With the NBA eyeing expansion, potentially including a team in Seattle, Bezos' name is bound to resurface. He had shown interest in the SuperSonics back in 2008 before their move to Oklahoma City. As the league continues to evolve, don't be surprised if Bezos makes headlines again in the sports ownership world.