Steve Pagliuca has confirmed NBA chairman Larry Tanenbaum as co-managing partner in the Boston Celtics co-owner’s bid to buy Chelsea.
Celtics boss Pagliuca hailed Toronto Maple Leafs and Raptors owner Tanenbaum as a “world-class individual” as the duo prepare to make their final bid for the London club.
Pagliuca also announced the other partners in his consortium, including former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin and businesswoman Elaine Saverin.
Golden State Warriors, LA Dodgers and Los Angeles FC co-owner Peter Guber, B Capital founder Raj Ganguly, venture capitalist Jim Breyer, investor John Burbank and tech entrepreneur Div Turakhia are also involved.
“Larry is a highly respected world-class person in the global sports community, and his experience in sports governance, long-term perspective and civil construction expertise are huge assets to our group,” said Pagliuca.
Canadian Tanenbaum’s vast experience in managing sports franchises offers a clear boost to Pagliuca’s bid for the Blues.
“The decision to partner with Steve was an easy one, as we share similar values and a passion for sports,” said Tanenbaum.
“Once we started talking, it became clear that we share the same long-term vision and goals for Chelsea Football Club.
“I can assure Chelsea fans that both Steve and I are committed to supporting a championship-winning team, building a state-of-the-art stadium at Stamford Bridge, investing in our academy and women’s teams and making a real difference in the community. .
“I am excited about the potential future of Chelsea Football Club.”
Roman Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale on March 2, amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
The 55-year-old Russian-Israeli billionaire was sanctioned by the UK government on March 10, with Downing Street claiming to have proven his links to Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea have been granted a special government license to continue operating, albeit under strict terms.
Abramovich cannot benefit from the sale of Chelsea, but had already promised to write off the club’s £1.5bn debt.
LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly, British business titan Jonathan Goldstein, Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe, and the Ricketts family, which owns the Chicago Cubs, are the other contenders to buy the Stamford Bridge team.
New York commercial bank Raine Group will receive final offers from the four consortia on Thursday, with the sale expected to be completed in May.
Pagliuca also welcomed the backing of the True Blues Consortium, the group that aims to buy a 10 per cent stake from Chelsea’s eventual new owners to ensure fan representation at the club.
“We are delighted to have such a successful group of people committed to the long-term interests of Chelsea Football Club,” said Pagliuca. “We appreciate this opportunity and would be honored to create an exciting future for this great football club.”
