Sale of Boston Celtics basketball team to businessman Bill Chisholm for a colossal $6.1 billion deemed legitimate by NBA.
Boston Celtics Sold to Bill Chisholm's Group for Record-Breaking $6.1 Billion
The Boston Celtics have a new owner, with the NBA Board of Governors unanimously approving the sale of the storied franchise to a group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm. The transaction, which was completed on August 19, 2025, sees Chisholm's group acquiring at least 51% ownership, with plans to gain full control by 2028.
The initial valuation for the majority stake was a staggering $6.1 billion, making it the highest price ever paid for an American professional sports franchise. By 2028, when full control is expected, the total purchase price could rise to around $7.3 billion.
Chisholm, the co-founder and managing partner of the California-based private equity firm STG Partners, expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing a commitment to build on the Celtics' legacy, work with existing leadership, and continue the team's competitive success.
Outgoing owner Wyc Grousbeck, who purchased the team for $360 million in 2002, will remain involved during the transition period to ensure continuity in basketball operations and business management. Under Grousbeck's leadership, the Celtics won two NBA titles (2008 and 2024) and made the playoffs in 20 of 23 seasons.
The sale represents a historic transaction reflecting the increasing role of private equity in major sports ownership. It also underscores the growing valuations of sports franchises, with the Boston Celtics sale coming in second only to the Los Angeles Lakers, which were sold for a $10 billion valuation in June.
Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and longtime Celtics fan, is expected to become the governor of the Boston Celtics when the sale goes through. He will cede his role when he no longer has the required ownership stake of at least 15 percent. Grousbeck will serve as alternate governor and remain the CEO through 2028.
In 2028, Chisholm's group is scheduled to buy out the remaining minority shareholders of the Boston Celtics at a $7.3 billion valuation. This sale marks the second-largest sale price for a US sports franchise, behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Boston Celtics, with their league-record 18th championship in the 2023-24 season, are now under new ownership, ready to write the next chapter in their storied history.
Key Points:
- Bill Chisholm's group has taken majority control of the Boston Celtics, with the sale valued at $6.1 billion.
- Chisholm, a private equity executive and Massachusetts native, is a longtime Celtics fan.
- The sale was approved by the NBA Board of Governors and closed on August 19, 2025.
- Outgoing owner Wyc Grousbeck will remain involved during the transition period.
- The sale represents a record-breaking transaction for an American professional sports franchise.
- The Boston Celtics sale ranks second in terms of sale price for a US sports franchise, behind the Los Angeles Lakers.
- Chisholm is expected to become the governor of the Boston Celtics when the sale goes through.
- The total purchase price could rise to around $7.3 billion by 2028 when full control is expected.
[1] ESPN.com - Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm's group for record-breaking $6.1 billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33841238
[2] BostonGlobe.com - Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm's group for $6.1 billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2025/08/19/boston-celtics-sold-bill-chisholms-group-6-1-billion/
[3] Forbes.com - Boston Celtics Sold to Bill Chisholm's Group for Record $6.1 Billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2025/08/19/boston-celtics-sold-to-bill-chisholms-group-for-record-6-1-billion/
[4] SportsBusinessJournal.com - Boston Celtics Sold for Record $6.1 Billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/daily/media/boston-celtics-sold-for-record-6-1-billion
[5] CNN.com - Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm's group for record $6.1 billion. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/19/sport/boston-celtics-sold-to-bill-chisholm-trnd/index.html
- Bill Chisholm, a private equity executive, has invested an unprecedented $6.1 billion in acquiring the majority stake of the Boston Celtics, marking a significant leap in real-estate and sports investment.
- Beyond basketball, Chisholm's strategic business approach and commitment to the Celtics' legacy will likely influence the organization's financial decisions in the upcoming years.
- With a mutual love for basketball and the Celtics, Chisholm plans to continue investing in the team to assure ongoing success on the court and possibly branch into new ventures, such as developing a real-estate empire in Boston.
