Boston Celtics Sold for $6.1 Billion to Group Led by Private Equity Executive Bill Chisholm

Boston, MA – The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, are being sold to an ownership group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm, in a deal that values the historic franchise at $6.1 billion. The sale, announced on Thursday, marks the highest price ever paid for a U.S. sports team.

Key Details of the Sale

• Bill Chisholm leads the new ownership group, which includes:
  • Sixth Street, a private equity firm contributing over $1 billion to the deal.
  • Rob Hale, a current team owner and Boston-area businessman.
  • Bruce Beal Jr., president of Related Companies, a major real estate firm.
• Wyc Grousbeck, the Celtics’ current majority owner and team governor, will remain CEO and governor through 2028.
• The NBA must approve the transaction, with the final sale expected to close this summer.

Chisholm: A Lifelong Celtics Fan Takes Over

Chisholm, a co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, expressed his deep connection to the team:
"Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life. The team’s role in Boston is unique, and I recognize the responsibility that comes with this ownership."

Grousbeck praised the incoming owner, saying:
"Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan. His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice as the next controlling owner."

The NBA has not yet commented on the sale.

Historic Sale and Surging Franchise Valuations

• The $6.1 billion sale surpasses the previous record of $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023.
• CNBC’s February 2025 NBA Valuations estimated the Celtics’ worth at $5.5 billion, ranking them below the Golden State Warriors ($9.4 billion).
• With sports franchise valuations skyrocketing, individual or family ownership is becoming increasingly rare. The NBA, NFL, and other leagues now allow private equity firms to invest in teams.

Impact of Media Rights and Future Prospects

The soaring value of NBA teams is partly driven by lucrative media rights deals. The NBA’s 11-year, $76 billion agreement with Disney, NBCUniversal, and Amazon, set to begin next season, more than doubles the league’s previous broadcast deal.

Meanwhile, the Celtics remain a dominant force in the NBA:

• 18-time NBA champions—the most in league history.
• Second-best record in the Eastern Conference this season.
• Strong contenders for back-to-back championships.

Looking Ahead

With the ownership transition set to be completed in the coming months, Chisholm and his group take over a Celtics franchise at its peak—both financially and competitively. As Boston gears up for another title run, the new ownership’s vision will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of this legendary franchise.