The sports world is abuzz with banter around the sale of the Boston Celtics for a whopping $6.1 billion. Kudos to Boston Basketball LLC for timing it to perfection, with the franchise’s popularity and valuation soaring after its 18th NBA Championship. While the NBA has yet to approve it, the money splurged by William Chrisholm makes it the most expensive sale in sports history — surpassing Josh Harris’ $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders two years ago.
Advertisement
Owning a piece of a sports franchise one is emotionally connected to is a dream for many. And Chad Johnson is no exception. If he had billions to spend that is. Johnson’s reported net worth of $15 million, is quite a lot short for him to go out franchise shopping.
However, that doesn’t stop him, or his Nightcap co-host Shannon Sharpe from dreaming, and conjuring up a hypothetical scenario. If they had $10 billion, which sports team would they buy? Ocho didn’t limit himself to just one.
His first choice was the Cincinnati Bengals. No surprises there. But Shannon quickly dismissed the idea, pointing out that Mike Brown has no intention of selling his family business. With the Bengals off the table, Johnson turned his attention to soccer, specifically Italy’s Serie A club Napoli.
“Not only am I buying a sports franchise, I’m buying three. I’m going to Naples Italy. I’m going to buy Napoli. I’m talking majority owner,” said Ocho, before moving on to the NBA. Staying close to his Miami roots, he set his sights on the Heat.
“Second thing — I’m going to buy the Miami Heat. I’m going to have to remove Pat Riley because his way of doing things is not conducive to business. I’m not sure how much money I have leftover. The rest of that I’m going to sit on and I’m opening a cigar lounge,” Johnson added.
Ocho believes the Heat lack the star power to compete at the highest level. As owner, he would make it a prime destination for elite NBA talent. His first move? Removing Pat Riley from his position, as he doesn’t trust Riley’s leadership or business approach.
While Johnson was content with two teams and the cigar lounge, Sharpe prodded on. What about an NFL team? Johnson admitted he’d love to buy the Miami Dolphins.
Shannon felt that, unlike other NFL owners, Stephen Ross might be open to selling a share of the team. All the more because Ross has already sold minority stakes before.
Ocho could buy a majority stake in the Dolphins
In 2023, Ross offloaded 13% of his ownership in the Dolphins, along with assets like Hard Rock Stadium, to Ares Management and Brooklyn Nets owners at an $8.1 billion valuation. At that time, Ross still controlled 95% of the franchise. So there is a chance he could sell another chunk in the future.
Despite naming three teams — Napoli, the Miami Heat, and the Miami Dolphins — the franchise Johnson truly wanted to buy was the Bengals. It’s the franchise that drafted him, the place where he built his legacy, and the team he still holds close to his heart.
However, Brown, who inherited the Bengals from his father, has no intention of selling, especially not the majority share. Sharpe, though, believes Brown might be open to selling a minority stake — perhaps 10-20%.
That seems to be an option Ocho would gladly take. He wants to invest, make money while sitting in the war room during the draft, scout talent, and offer his insights — all while playing golf. With his deep knowledge of the game and sharp eye for talent, Johnson envisions himself as an engaged minority owner.
He wants to attend owners’ meetings, attend the NFL Combine alongside Bengals GM Duke Tobin, and play a role in evaluating prospects. Most of all, he believes fans would love to see him back with the team, bringing his signature energy and passion to the franchise once again.
“I like that. I don’t need no say in day-to-day operations. I want to be in the war room. I also have an eye for talent. I just want to give my suggestion,” said Johnson.
“I just want to put on my suit and tie. and want to be on on the golf court with Mike Brown when we go to the training camp. I’m at the owners’ meeting. What else- I’m at the Combine- me and Duke Tobin. I want to be hands-on,” he added.
Ocho might be wealthy, but not nearly rich enough to buy a team. Even Tom Brady had to invest almost his entire net worth just to acquire a 10% stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. And that deal still faced plenty of hurdles. But hey, a person can dream, can’t they?
