NBA Approves Historic Sale of Celtics for $6.1 Billion
BREAKING: The NBA Board of Governors has just announced the unanimous approval of the sale of the Boston Celtics to a consortium led by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm, valuing the franchise at a staggering $6.1 billion. This marks the largest sale in history for an American professional sports team.
The league confirmed that the deal is expected to close shortly, with Chisholm acquiring a controlling interest of at least 51% in the franchise. Full ownership is projected to be finalized by 2028, potentially raising the total valuation to an eye-popping $7.3 billion.
This monumental sale surpasses the previous record of $6.05 billion set by the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. Prior to this, the highest price for an NBA team was $4 billion, paid by Mat Ishbia for the Phoenix Suns last year. The Celtics, known for their legacy of success with 18 NBA titles, continue to set records both on and off the court.
Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and a graduate of Dartmouth College and the Wharton School, is the managing partner of California-based Symphony Technology Group. His ownership group includes Boston businessmen Rob Hale, a current Celtics shareholder, and Bruce Beal Jr.. Former owner Wyc Grousbeck, who purchased the Celtics in 2002 for just $360 million, has overseen the team during their championship wins in 2008 and 2024.
Chisholm outbid at least two other bidders, including former minority partner Steve Pagliuca, who has since announced plans to acquire the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun for $325 million and relocate the team to Boston, pending WNBA Board of Governors approval.
This sale not only reshapes the landscape of the NBA but also highlights the soaring valuations of sports franchises in the U.S. As the transaction moves forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for further developments in this historic change of ownership.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
