Celtics Sale Approved for Record Sum
The NBA Board of Governors has given the green light to the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by Bill Chisholm, a prominent private equity investor. This transaction, valued at over $6.1 billion, sets a new record as the largest sale in the history of American professional sports.
The operation is expected to be completed shortly. Chisholm will initially assume control of at least 51% of the team, with the total acquisition planned for 2028, which could raise the total value to $7.3 billion.
This agreement surpasses the previous record of $6.05 billion paid by the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. In the NBA, the previous highest price was $4 billion, paid by Mat Ishbia to acquire the Phoenix Suns also in 2023.
Bill Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and graduate of Dartmouth College and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, is a managing partner at Symphony Technology Group, based in California. The new ownership group also includes Boston entrepreneurs Rob Hale, current Celtics shareholder, and Bruce Beal Jr.
Wyc Grousbeck, who led the group that acquired the team in 2002 for $360 million, oversaw the 2008 and 2024 NBA championships. The Celtics hold the record for 18 NBA titles.
Chisholm outbid other interested groups, including one led by Steve Pagliuca, a former minority partner in the Celtics. Pagliuca has announced plans to acquire the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun for $325 million and move them to Boston, although this sale and potential relocation are subject to the approval of the WNBA Board of Governors.
