Boston Celtics sold to Bill Chisholm for record $6.1 billion
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BOSTON — Aug. 19, 2025 — Private-equity executive Bill Chisholm formally became principal owner of the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, completing a $6.1 billion purchase that sets a new high mark for an American professional sports franchise.
The NBA’s Board of Governors unanimously approved the sale last week. Funds were transferred Tuesday, transferring control from longtime governor Wyc Grousbeck, who led a group that bought the club for $360 million in 2002.
“Coming in second is not acceptable,” Chisholm said during a news conference at TD Garden. “The ultimate yardstick is winning championships. Wyc has two, and together we plan to add more.”
Deal structure and investors
The transaction gives Chisholm’s consortium a majority stake immediately and full control by 2028, a timetable that could raise the total valuation to $7.3 billion. Other investors include Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho and Ian Loring. Investment firm Sixth Street is described by the team as a “major participant.”
Leadership continuity
Chisholm will serve as the club’s governor in league matters, while Grousbeck remains co-owner, chief executive officer and alternate governor overseeing day-to-day operations. Team president Rich Gotham, general manager Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla are expected to stay in their roles.
Recent success and current challenges
Under Grousbeck and co-owner Steve Pagliuca, Boston captured NBA titles in 2008 and 2024, reached two additional Finals and made the postseason in 20 of 23 seasons. The franchise’s record 18 championships remain the league’s benchmark.
The roster is in transition after trades that moved Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to avoid the league’s new second-apron tax penalties. All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum is recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon sustained during May’s Eastern Conference semifinal loss to the New York Knicks.
“We have a solid core, elite basketball minds and a strong business staff,” Chisholm said. “That’s a great place to start.”
Source: ESPN
