The Celtics yesterday finalized their deal to buy the G League Maine Red Claws and "tried to quash any relocation rumors" regarding the franchise, according to Glenn Jordan of the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD. Celtics Managing Partner & CEO Wyc Grousbeck said, "This is where the franchise is and we're not moving it." Jordan notes the Red Claws have a "five-year lease with the city of Portland to play through the 2023-24 season and an option for a five-year extension through 2029." Grousbeck, fellow Celtics Managing Partner Steve Pagliuca and former Red Claws Owner Bill Ryan Jr. all declined to discuss a sales price, though the Celtics "bought out Ryan and his father as well as 10 minority partners." Celtics President Rich Gotham said that the sale "actually closed about a month ago but an announcement was delayed until all the principals could gather in Maine." Meanwhile, Gotham said that the Red Claws should not expect "any major changes." Jordan notes the Celtics "retained all 10 full-time employees" and that Dajuan Edwards will remain Red Claws President (PORTLAND PRESS HERALD, 10/16).
THE MAINE EVENT: In Maine, Ernie Clark notes officials from Worcester, Mass., last month "expressed some interest in attempting to entice the Red Claws to move to their city." However, Gotham yesterday said that the Celtics are "happy with the Red Claws' 3,000-seat home base at the Portland Exhibition Building." Gotham: "We think this is the right-size venue for the Red Claws" (BANGOR DAILY NEWS, 10/16). Gotham added about a possible move to Worcester, "We've had no conversations like that at all. Not a single conversation. And you know, part of the attraction of the Red Claws is this market" (THEATHLETIC.com, 10/15).
