Bill Chisholm's acquisition of the Boston Celtics NBA franchise for a whopping $6.1 billion receives league-wide approval
The Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in professional sports, has a new owner. Bill Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and private equity mogul, has led a group to purchase the team for a record-breaking valuation of $6.1 billion, surpassing the previous high of $6.05 billion for the NFL's Washington Commanders.
The sale, which was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors, was finalized in August 2025. Chisholm's group gained at least 51% ownership immediately, with full control expected by 2028. The total value could rise to $7.3 billion by that time.
A New Era for the Celtics
The Celtics have been under the leadership of Wyc Grousbeck since 2002, when he purchased the team along with Boston Basketball Partners LLC for $360 million. During their tenure, the team won two NBA championships (2008 and 2024), reached the NBA Finals two additional times, and made the playoffs 20 out of 23 seasons.
Grousbeck will retain the CEO position and serve as an alternate governor but will no longer be the team governor after the sale. He is expected to cede his role when he no longer has the required ownership stake of at least 15%.
Chisholm's Background
Chisholm, a Dartmouth College and Wharton School of Business graduate, is the co-founder and managing partner of Symphony Technology Group (STG), a California-based private equity firm. He is a longtime Celtics fan and is excited about the opportunity to lead the team.
The Competitive Bidding Process
Chisholm outbid at least two other groups, including one headed by former Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca, who subsequently announced plans to purchase the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun and potentially move them to Boston.
The Future of the Celtics
The takeover is expected to close shortly, and Chisholm's group is scheduled to buy out the remaining minority shareholders of the Boston Celtics at a $7.3 billion valuation in 2028. This ownership change signals a major milestone in professional sports finance, reflecting both the Celtics’ historic significance and the rising valuations of NBA franchises.
The Boston Celtics, with their league-record 18 championships, are set to begin a new chapter under Chisholm's leadership. The team's loyal fan base and rich history will undoubtedly continue to be a driving force for success in the years to come.
[1] ESPN. (2025). Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm-led group for record $6.1 billion. [online] Available at: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33890815/boston-celtics-sold-bill-chisholm-led-group-record-61-billion
[2] Boston Globe. (2025). Bill Chisholm's group takes control of Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion. [online] Available at: https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2025/08/18/bill-chisholms-group-takes-control-boston-celtics-61-billion/
[3] Yahoo Sports. (2025). Bill Chisholm completes record-breaking purchase of Boston Celtics. [online] Available at: https://sports.yahoo.com/news/bill-chisholm-completes-record-breaking-purchase-boston-celtics-214455637.html
[4] Sports Illustrated. (2025). Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm for record $6.1 billion. [online] Available at: https://www.si.com/nba/2025/08/18/boston-celtics-sold-bill-chisholm-record-61-billion
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