In a landmark deal that sent shockwaves through the world of professional sports, Bill Chisholm has officially become the new owner of the Boston Celtics, marking the highest franchise sale in NBA history with a staggering valuation of $6.1 billion. The sale, recorded on March 20, 2025, transitions ownership from the Grousbeck family, who had purchased the Celtics for just $360 million back in 2002.
Chisholm, a native of Georgetown, Massachusetts, is no stranger to the Celtics, having grown up as a dedicated fan. Known for his deep appreciation of the franchise, Chisholm holds an “encyclopedic knowledge” of the team, reportedly recording hype videos for playoff games last season, as noted by The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach.
Jayson Tatum, a star player for the Celtics, expressed excitement about having a local figure at the helm. "He grew up around the area, big Boston fan," Tatum said. "He’s proud of what we’ve accomplished and understands what the Celtics mean to the city and the NBA. He wanted to be a part of that and help take it forward any way he can." Tatum's positive sentiment reflects a broader optimism surrounding Chisholm's engagement with the team and fans.
Chisholm's initial interactions with the Celtics leadership have been promising. He recently met with Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations, and head coach Joe Mazzulla, who conveyed that Chisholm shared his vision and enthusiasm for the franchise. "I think it’s great we have a guy from [Massachusetts] that’s going to continue to carry this," Mazzulla stated. He looks forward to developing a strong, collaborative relationship with Chisholm moving forward.
However, the transition does bring some concerns about the financial implications for the Celtics. The team’s payroll is projected to exceed $500 million in the upcoming 2025-26 season, stirring questions about whether Chisholm might make moves to cut costs. Mazzulla expressed a hopeful outlook, emphasizing the need to maintain the Celtics as a competitive team while being grateful for the positive foundation laid by the outgoing ownership. "They left it better than they found it, which is a huge key," he remarked.
Under the terms of the sale, Wyc Grousbeck will remain with the organization as CEO and governor until the end of the 2027-28 season, ensuring continuity during this significant transition. Grousbeck previously announced plans for his continued involvement in July 2024 when the team was officially put on the market. Tatum appreciates Grousbeck's ongoing presence, stating, "I talked to Wyc a few times. He’s still going to be around, and he kept me updated, saying whoever takes over will be great for the organization. I trust him, and I have no doubt things will continue to run smoothly."
Chisholm is not just an investor; he embodies the characteristics of a passionate Bostonian. His journey through the business landscape, particularly in private equity, has been marked by strategic deal-making and a commitment to community engagement. After gaining significant experience as a senior investment partner at Symphony Technology Group—the firm that evolved under his leadership—he now directs a company managing over $11.7 billion in assets.
Chisholm’s selection as the Celtics' new owner holds broader implications for the NBA, which has been keenly observing franchise values for potential future expansion. The Celtics' $6.1 billion sale sets a new benchmark, igniting speculation about the costs of new teams possibly entering the league, especially with talk of franchises in Seattle and Las Vegas. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver previously stated that the league needed a higher baseline to re-evaluate expansion fees, a goal accomplished through the Celtics' record sale. Silver remarked, “There’s no specific date set for expansion, but the process has begun internally.” With the market dynamics shifting, expansion may soon be back on the NBA agenda, presenting an enticing opportunity for both current and prospective owners.
Chisholm’s commitment to the Celtics and the city of Boston is evident. "I understand how important the Celtics are to the city of Boston—the role the team plays in the community is different than any other city in the country," he explained, emphasizing his dedication to maintaining that significance. The community's sentiment echoes the excitement surrounding his ownership, reinforcing the idea that Chisholm may be the right fit to lead the Celtics into the future.
While the franchise undergoes this transformative phase, the current roster remains in focus. All-Star Jaylen Brown is navigating injury concerns, having recently been announced as out for a match against the Utah Jazz on March 22, 2025. So far this season, Brown averages an impressive 22.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, showcasing his pivotal role in the team's efforts to defend their championship title.
With a combination of his business acumen, long-standing passion for the Celtics, and a commitment to fostering a positive culture, Bill Chisholm has the potential to lead the franchise into a new era of success while maintaining its rich history. As the Celtics adapt to this change in ownership, fans, players, and the broader basketball community look on with anticipation, eager to see how future chapters unfold in this historic franchise.
