The NBA approves Boston Celtics sale to an investor group led by William (Bill) Chisholm in a deal valued at $6.1bn. The league announced this on Wednesday. The transaction is expected to close this week, according to Sportico. Boston outlet WCVB reports it could finalise on Wednesday evening.
Chisholm to Take Over as Team Governor
Chisholm will serve as the Celtics’ governor, while Wyc Grousbeck will continue as CEO. That marks a shift from the original plan for Grousbeck to retain both roles through the 2027–28 season. Chisholm co-founded Symphony Technology Group (also known as STG) and previously worked at Bain & Company and PaineWebber.
Record Valuation and Investor Lineup
When announced in March, the $6.1bn valuation set a record for a control sale in major sports. It surpassed the Phoenix Suns’ $4bn sale in 2022. Sportico notes a subsequent $10bn Los Angeles Lakers transaction has since eclipsed that figure. This is pending approvals alongside a reported $4.25bn Portland Trail Blazers deal. Aditya Mittal will be the second-largest stakeholder and is expected to become alternate governor after the 2027–28 season. Meanwhile, private-equity firm Sixth Street will be the third-largest shareholder. However, it is subject to the NBA’s 20% cap on a single firm’s stake. The group also includes Rob Hale and Bruce A. Beal Jr.
Context and What’s Next
The Grousbeck-led ownership bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360m. They moved to sell the franchise last July for estate-planning reasons. This occurred shortly after Boston’s record 18th championship. On-court, Boston’s 2024–25 season ended after Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles tear in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The club then traded Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday to reduce luxury-tax costs.
