NBA approves sale of Celtics to private equity mogul Bill Chisholm for record $6.1 billion
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at 10:19 pm
NBA Approves Record-Breaking Celtics Sale
BOSTON – The National Basketball Association has given the green light to the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group spearheaded by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm. The deal, unanimously approved on Wednesday, values the iconic franchise at over $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest valuation of any American professional sports team.
The transaction is anticipated to be finalized soon. Upon completion, Chisholm will assume ownership of at least 51% of the team, with full control slated to transfer by 2028. The agreement includes provisions that could potentially elevate the total value of the Celtics to $7.3 billion.
This sale surpasses the previous record set by the Washington Commanders of the National Football League, which was acquired for $6.05 billion in 2023. The prior record for an NBA team was the $4 billion paid for the Phoenix Suns in 2023.
Chisholm, a Massachusetts native with degrees from Dartmouth College and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business, is the managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, a California-based firm. The new ownership group also includes Boston businessmen Rob Hale, who is already a Celtics shareholder, and Bruce Beal Jr.
The Celtics were previously owned by a group led by Wyc Grousbeck, who acquired the team in 2002 for $360 million. Under Grousbeck's leadership, the Celtics secured NBA championships in 2008 and 2024. The franchise holds the record for the most NBA titles, with a total of 18.
Chisholm's bid was successful despite competition from at least two other groups, including one led by former Celtics minority partner Steve Pagliuca. Pagliuca has since announced plans to purchase the WNBA's Connecticut Sun for $325 million and relocate them to Boston, but the WNBA has not yet approved the deal.
BNN's Perspective: This sale underscores the continued financial health and popularity of the NBA. While the price tag is staggering, it reflects the value of a historic franchise and the potential for future growth. The league's unanimous approval suggests confidence in Chisholm's leadership and the future of the Celtics.
Keywords: NBA, Boston Celtics, Bill Chisholm, sale, ownership, private equity, valuation, record, sports franchise, Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca, WNBA, Connecticut Sun, Boston, championships.