A group led by Bill Chisholm, managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, has reached an agreement to purchase the Boston Celtics for a staggering $6.1 billion, marking the most expensive sale in NBA history. Announced on March 20, 2025, this transaction surpasses the previous record set when Josh Harris bought the Washington Commanders for $6.05 billion in 2023.
The deal, pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors, signals a significant shift for the iconic franchise, which has won a record 18 championships. Wyc Grousbeck, who has led the team's ownership since 2002, will remain CEO and governor through the 2027-28 season, providing continuity during this transition.
Chisholm, who grew up in the Boston area and has been a lifelong Celtics fan, expressed his excitement at taking over the storied franchise. “Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,” he said in a press release. “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.”
The sale comes on the heels of the Celtics' victory in last year’s NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks, and just months after the Grousbeck family announced the team was up for sale due to estate and family planning purposes. The family originally purchased the franchise for $360 million, underscoring their significant return on investment with this sale.
The ownership group Chisholm has assembled includes notable Boston business figures such as current Celtics co-owner Robert Hale and Bruce Beal Jr., president of Related Companies. Notably, private equity firm Sixth Street has committed more than $1 billion to this acquisition, reflecting the growing trend of private equity involvement in sports franchises.
With such a large investment comes substantial financial responsibility. The Celtics are expected to have a combined salary and luxury tax bill exceeding $500 million next season, marking a record for the league. This daunting figure is influenced by significant contracts for star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, each of whom has lucrative deals that will have long-term implications for the team's finances.
Specifically, Tatum inked a five-year contract worth $315 million last summer, while Brown is in the midst of a five-year deal valued at $304 million. Both players are set to earn over $50 million each during the 2025-26 season, contributing to what will possibly be the highest payroll and luxury tax payments in NBA history.
Despite the financial hurdles, the team remains one of the strongest contenders in the league, with Jayson Tatum indicating optimism about the future. “I look forward to whoever it is,” he mentioned regarding the ownership transition. “I trust [Grousbeck] and those guys in their decision. And understanding the culture that we’ve set and we have, and sustaining that and trying to make it better.”
The Celtics’ valuation reflects a broader trend in the sports world where franchise values are soaring, particularly thanks to lucrative broadcasting deals. The NBA recently finalized an 11-year, $76 billion agreement with major networks including ESPN and NBCUniversal, further boosting the financial landscape for teams and their owners.
This record-setting sale highlights how valuable sports franchises have become, not only as entertainment entities but also as lucrative business investments. As franchises continue to trade hands for astronomical sums, it raises questions about affordability and the future ownership landscape in professional sports.
Moreover, the implications of this sale reach beyond just the Celtics. The substantial valuation may influence future discussions regarding NBA expansion, as it provides a benchmark for other teams and potential investors who might consider acquiring or expanding franchises in this ever-evolving marketplace.
In conclusion, the transition of the Boston Celtics to a new ownership group under Bill Chisholm marks a historic moment for the franchise and the NBA at large. As fans and analysts watch closely, the future will reveal how this new regime manages the balancing act of maintaining competitive success while navigating the financial implications of the highest payroll in NBA history. With the championship title and a devoted fanbase behind them, the Celtics are poised for both challenges and triumphs in the seasons ahead.
