Tonight the NBA season opens with the New York Knicks playing the World Champion Boston Celtics at Boston Garden. There is another name for that arena, however I live only partially in this century of corporate control. The present value of the Boston franchise is estimated at $5.12 billion and the present owners are considering selling the team. The Celtic players might consider this, however this year’s combined salary is $230 million. The Grousbeck’s group bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million and are contemplating dumping the franchise for “estate and family planning purposes,” according to statement released on Monday. That news came less than two weeks after the Celtics won their NBA-record 18th title, and with the team facing hard financial decisions about how to keep together a roster than won the most games in the NBA last season according to sportico.com.

Sportico also values the Knicks at $7.4 billion. Rich men’s stratosphere. LeBron, the wealthiest active player, has about $1.2 billion. Not even close enough to purchase his present team, the LA Lakers, although The Cleveland Cavaliers NBA franchise was valued at $3.35 billion in October 2023, according to Forbes. This was a 63% increase from the previous year, when the franchise was valued at $2.05 billion. Inflation or greed is everywhere.

Still I’m a fan. I have been a fan since a child in Falmouth Foreside, Maine, listening to Johnny Most announce the game from the old Boston Garden in 1958. I was planning to wear something smart, but I’m taking out my Celtics gear. This might be New York City, but Go Celtics. It will be a tough game and the Knicks are geared up for a championship. Bring it on.