William Chisholm’s purchase marks a historic moment in sports as the franchise eyes a bright future.
The Boston Celtics, known as one of the most prestigious franchises in the National Basketball Association (NBA), have officially been sold for a staggering $6.1 billion, making this transaction the highest-ever for an American professional sports team. The sale, which took place on March 20, 2025, was agreed upon by private equity mogul William Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and co-founder of California-based Symphony Technology Group.
This monumental deal, if approved by the NBA’s board of governors this summer, would surpass the previous record of $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. In fact, the $6.1 billion price tag not only makes history but also shatters the earlier NBA record of $4 billion set by Mat Ishbia for the Phoenix Suns in 2022.
Chisholm, who has been a lifelong Celtics fan, expressed his enthusiasm for the team in a statement. “Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,” he shared, emphasizing his deep connections to the community and the franchise. He indicated his understanding of the Celtics’ cultural significance to Boston and the responsibility he feels as the new leader of the organization.
As part of the agreement, Wyc Grousbeck, the previous owner of the Celtics, will remain as the team’s CEO and governor through the 2027-28 season. Grousbeck purchased the franchise back in 2002 for only $360 million, underscoring the remarkable appreciation in value over the years. He mentioned, “Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area. His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the rest of the Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice to be the next Governor and controlling owner of the team.”
The Celtics are coming off their 18th NBA championship title, which they won last June, breaking a tie with their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers. This addition further cements their legacy as one of the most successful franchises in sports history. Basketball enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly watching how Chisholm’s leadership will affect the team’s performance and community engagement moving forward.
As the transaction awaits approval, the basketball community is abuzz with anticipation and optimism regarding what Chisholm, with his substantial background in equity and finance, will bring to the storied Celtics franchise. His vision for the team is expected to be closely aligned with the franchise’s rich legacy and its place in Boston’s sporting culture.
The Celtics’ record sale reflects a growing trend in the sports industry where franchises are seen not just as teams but as valuable assets with significant growth potential. Each sale pushes the boundaries of expected valuation, reshaping the economic landscape of professional sports.
Ultimately, the transition to Chisholm’s ownership marks a new chapter in the storied saga of the Boston Celtics, one perhaps defined by a resurgence in their pursuit of excellence both on and off the court. Fans and stakeholders remain hopeful that his deep-rooted passion for the team will translate into sustained success and a revitalized commitment to the community that has long supported the Celtics.
