Celtics Sold: Bill Chisholm Agrees Record $6.1 Billion Deal for NBA Powerhouse

A group led by Bill Chisholm, founder of private equity firm Symphony Technology Group, has reportedly agreed to purchase the Boston Celtics for a record-setting $6.1 billion. This would surpass the previous highest price for a U.S. sports franchise, the NFL's Washington Commanders, sold for $6.05 billion in 2023.

The Celtics' current ownership group, led by the Grousbeck family, had announced their intention to sell the franchise as early as last June. Under the terms of the reported deal, Wyc Grousbeck is expected to remain as the Celtics' CEO until the conclusion of the 2027-28 NBA season, providing continuity during the ownership transition.

This acquisition would represent an enormous financial gain for the Grousbeck family and their partner, Steve Pagliuca, who collectively purchased the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million. Pagliuca had previously expressed interest in taking full ownership of the team but was ultimately outbid by Chisholm's group. Reacting to the news, Pagliuca expressed disappointment, stating he was "saddened to find out that we have not been selected in the process."

The Celtics remain among the NBA's most iconic franchises, boasting a record 18 championships, including their most recent victory last season against the Dallas Mavericks. Boston's current core roster, featuring stars Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and Kristaps Porziņģis, is still performing at an elite level. However, financial challenges loom, particularly as Tatum approaches eligibility for a significant contract extension.

The Celtics are currently enjoying a strong season, holding the second spot in the NBA's Eastern Conference standings, suggesting a promising future under new ownership.

Chisholm, a lifelong Celtics fan who grew up in the Boston area, will now oversee one of the league's most storied teams amid an era of unprecedented financial strength for the NBA. The league recently secured a landmark 11-year broadcasting agreement worth $76 billion, featuring deals with major networks NBC and streaming giant Amazon, underlining basketball's enduring commercial appeal.

This recent valuation further underscores the Celtics' immense worth, with Forbes recently estimating the team's value at around $6 billion—ranking them fourth among all NBA teams. Only the Golden State Warriors, valued at $8.8 billion, currently outrank them.

Chisholm's acquisition is set to reshape the Celtics' future and mark a significant milestone for the NBA, cementing basketball's status as a premier investment opportunity in the sports world.