Record-Breaking Sale: NBA Approves $6.1 Billion Sale of Boston Celtics to Bill Chisholm
Read about the NBA's approval of the Boston Celtics' sale to Bill Chisholm's investment group, valuing the franchise at $6.1 billion and setting a new benchmark for sports team sales.
When the Boston Celtics' sale to Bill Chisholm's investment group was announced, it was stated that Wyc Grousbeck would...
NBA Approves Record-Breaking Sale of Boston Celtics
The NBA Board of Governors has given the green light to the sale of the Boston Celtics to an investment group led by billionaire Bill Chisholm, valuing the storied franchise at a record $6.1 billion. This unanimous decision marks a significant milestone in the team's history, with Chisholm set to take over controlling interest in the franchise.
Details of the Sale
The sale, initially agreed upon five months prior, positions the Boston Celtics as one of the most valuable sports franchises in North America. Although this record has since been surpassed by the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter, the Celtics deal remains historic. Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, outbid several other groups to acquire the team.
Leadership Transition
As part of the deal, Wyc Grousbeck, who led the group that purchased the franchise for $360 million in 2002, will reportedly step down as governor but retain his role as CEO and serve as an alternate governor alongside Chisholm. Chisholm and Grousbeck are expected to work together to ensure a seamless transition.
Impact and Expectations
The transaction is expected to close shortly, after which Chisholm will assume the role of governor. Despite the change in leadership structure, both Chisholm and Grousbeck plan to run the team together as originally planned, ensuring continuity and stability for the Celtics.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/TohjJWw60e
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 13, 2025
Celtics Franchise Sale Update
The Boston Celtics' sale to Bill Chisholm, managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, is expected to close shortly. Chisholm and his co-investors agreed to purchase the Celtics at an initial valuation of $6.1 billion, which was the highest ever offered for a North American sports team at the time.
Record-Breaking Sale
Although the $6.1 billion valuation marked a historic moment for the Celtics, it has since been surpassed by the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter. The Celtics' sale still represents a significant milestone, with the team's value increasing by 1,594% from its original purchase price of $360 million in 2002.
Key Details of the Sale
- Initial Valuation: $6.1 billion, making it the highest sale of a North American sports franchise at the time
- Final Valuation: Expected to reach $7.3 billion after the second phase of the sale
- New Ownership: Bill Chisholm and his co-investors, including private equity backing from Sixth Street, billionaire Robert Hale, and real estate mogul Bruce Beal Jr.
- Grousbeck's Role: Wyc Grousbeck will stay on as CEO and governor for the first three years of Chisholm's ownership.
Celtics' Sale Update
When the Boston Celtics' sale to Bill Chisholm's investment group was announced, it was stated that Wyc Grousbeck would continue as CEO and governor, overseeing team operations through the 2027-28 season. However, recent reports indicate that Grousbeck will step down as governor sooner than expected, once Chisholm's purchase is approved. Grousbeck will remain as CEO and serve as an alternate governor.
The Grousbeck Era
The Grousbeck family, along with Steve Pagliuca, purchased the Celtics for $360 million in 2002. During their ownership, the team won two championships, including the 2024 NBA title. After more than two decades, Grousbeck's leadership will come to an end as Chisholm takes over as governor.
The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to an investment group led by Bill Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and self-proclaimed “die-hard Celtics fan.” Chisholm will assume the role of governor due to Wyc Grousbeck no longer having the required 15% ownership stake mandated by the league. Despite this change, Chisholm and Grousbeck plan to run the team together as originally planned.
Celtics' Legacy and Sale Details
The Celtics are one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, with a record 18 championships, including their most recent win in 2024. The sale, valued at $6.1 billion, was initially agreed upon five months prior to the approval. Although this valuation marked a record at the time, it has since been surpassed by the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter.
Key Figures and Roles
- Bill Chisholm: Managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, leading the investment group that purchased the Celtics
- Wyc Grousbeck: Current CEO of the Celtics, stepping down as governor but staying on as alternate governor and CEO through 2028.
Next Steps
The transaction is expected to close shortly, after which Chisholm will take over as lead governor. Despite initial concerns about private equity involvement, Chisholm's group has secured sufficient funding to comply with NBA rules.
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