NBA Champions Boston Celtics to Be Sold for Record $6.1 Billion to Bill Chisholm-Led Group.
The Boston Celtics are set to be sold for a groundbreaking $6.1 billion, a record-setting valuation in U.S. major professional sports, to a group led by Symphony Technology Group managing partner William Chisholm. The deal, if approved by the NBA’s board of governors after a thorough vetting process, would shatter the previous record set by Josh Harris's purchase of the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion in 2023. This sale, once finalized, will be the largest in NBA history and the most significant transaction in U.S. sports.
While the deal is still subject to approval, it represents an extraordinary step for the Celtics organization. The $6.1 billion valuation is expected to grow, making it the benchmark for future sports franchise sales. The deal will not be completed until at least the summer of 2025.
Boston Basketball Partners LLC, the current ownership group, announced last year that it would sell the majority of the Celtics, retaining the balance of its shares until 2028. Wyc Grousbeck, whose family has owned the Celtics since 2002, will continue as the team’s governor through the 2027-28 season, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.
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“My partners and I have immense respect for Wyc, the entire Grousbeck family and their indelible contributions to the Celtics organization over the last 23 years," Chisholm said in a release confirming the agreement. "We look forward to learning from Wyc and partnering with Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla, and the talented team and staff to build upon their success as we work to bring more championships home to Boston.”
The $6.1 billion figure will surpass recent NBA franchise sales by a wide margin. In 2023, the Phoenix Suns were purchased by Mat Ishbia for $4 billion, while the Milwaukee Bucks went for $3.5 billion to Cleveland Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Mark Cuban’s majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks was sold for $3.5 billion in a deal with Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont.
“Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area,” said Grousbeck. “His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the rest of the Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice to be the next governor and controlling owner of the team.”
Grousbeck further noted that Chisholm had asked him to run the team as CEO and governor for the first three years, remaining as a partner. "I am glad to do so,” Grousbeck said.
This historic sale marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Boston Celtics. With a valuation that sets a new precedent in professional sports, the franchise is poised for continued success both on and off the court. Bill Chisholm’s deep ties to the Boston area and passion for the team ensure that the Celtics will remain in capable hands, further solidifying their place as one of the most iconic franchises in the NBA. With the leadership of Chisholm, Grousbeck, and the talented Celtics staff, the future looks bright, and more championships could be on the horizon.
