Boston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Bill Chisholm has successfully acquired majority control of the Boston Celtics for a record $6.1 billion. This unprecedented transaction was unanimously approved by the NBA Board of Governors. Chisholm, leading an investor group, will assume governance of the team while previous owner Wyc Grousbeck continues in an executive role. The total investment could reach $7.3 billion by 2028, as ownership dynamics evolve. While the Celtics celebrated their recent championship, management and staff remain unchanged as the franchise aims to build upon its legacy of success.
Boston — Bill Chisholm has completed the purchase of majority control of the Boston Celtics for a record $6.1 billion, the largest price ever paid for an American professional sports franchise. The NBA Board of Governors gave unanimous approval last week, and the transaction was finalized on Tuesday. Chisholm will represent the team as governor while the current principal owner will retain an active executive role.
Key details of the sale
The purchase places Chisholm, a private equity executive, in charge of the Celtics as leader of an investor group. The deal was approved unanimously by the NBA Board of Governors and completed this week. The group’s total investment could rise to $7.3 billion by 2028 as ownership stakes shift, with Chisholm’s consortium projected to assume full control by that year.
- Purchase price: $6.1 billion (record for a U.S. sports franchise)
- Potential total investment: Up to $7.3 billion by 2028
- Approval: Unanimous NBA Board of Governors consent
- Leadership: Bill Chisholm will serve as team governor
- Existing ownership: Wyc Grousbeck will remain as co-owner and CEO
Management and day-to-day operations
The current executive structure is expected to remain largely intact. Team president Rich Gotham, general manager Brad Stevens, and coach Joe Mazzulla are all expected to continue in their roles. The former principal owner, who led the organization for more than two decades, will retain a co-owner and chief executive position and will continue assisting with daily operations.
Investor group and financial participants
Chisholm leads a group that includes several notable investors. Among them are Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, and Ian Loring. Financial firm Sixth Street Partners is also a significant participant in the investment group. The consortium structure allows Chisholm to represent the team at league meetings while other investors hold equity positions.
Team context and recent performance
The Celtics are the NBA’s most decorated franchise with 18 championships. The team went on sale last summer after winning the 2024 NBA title. Under the ownership that acquired the club in 2002 for $360 million, the organization won two championships, appeared in the finals twice, and reached the playoffs in 20 of 23 seasons. Key players in the most recent championship run included Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Roster and season outlook
The team is navigating a transitional period. Jayson Tatum is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon and undergoing rehabilitation toward a return. The roster also underwent changes this offseason aimed at managing team salary and tax considerations. Despite the ownership change, the front office and coaching staff are expected to remain in place for the upcoming season, which begins with preseason games starting Oct. 8 and a regular-season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 22.
Organizational goals and expectations
The new ownership group has indicated a commitment to preserving the franchise’s legacy and competitive focus. The outgoing majority control team acknowledged challenges ahead, including player health and roster construction, but signaled that the objective remains winning additional championships.
Background and timeline
The Celtics were placed on the market following their 2024 championship. Wyc Grousbeck and co-owner Steve Pagliuca originally purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million. Over more than two decades under their stewardship, the franchise rebuilt its competitive profile and achieved sustained postseason success, culminating in the 2024 title that preceded the sale process.
What happens next
Chisholm’s group will begin its governance duties immediately, representing the club in league matters and setting strategic priorities. Full ownership transition is expected to be phased, with equity adjustments and potential additional capital contributions through 2028. Operational leadership and basketball decisions will continue to be managed by the existing front office and coaching staff in the short term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who purchased the Boston Celtics?
Bill Chisholm, leading an investor group, purchased majority control of the Boston Celtics.
How much did the sale cost?
The initial purchase price was $6.1 billion, with the group’s total investment potentially rising to $7.3 billion by 2028.
Was the sale approved by the NBA?
Yes. The NBA Board of Governors gave unanimous approval to the transaction.
Will Wyc Grousbeck remain with the team?
Yes. Wyc Grousbeck will retain a co-owner and CEO role and will assist with day-to-day operations.
Will the front office and coach remain?
Team president Rich Gotham, general manager Brad Stevens, and coach Joe Mazzulla are expected to remain in their positions.
Who else is investing with Chisholm?
Other investors include Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, and significant participation from Sixth Street Partners.
When does the next season start?
Preseason begins on Oct. 8 and the regular season opener is scheduled for Oct. 22 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
What is the team’s recent competitive status?
The Celtics won the NBA title in 2024, and the team has won 18 championships in franchise history. The roster faces transitional issues including injury recovery and salary management moves.
Fast facts table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| New majority owner | Bill Chisholm (leads investor group) |
| Purchase price | $6.1 billion (record) |
| Potential total investment | Up to $7.3 billion by 2028 |
| NBA approval | Unanimous approval by Board of Governors |
| Retained executive | Wyc Grousbeck — co-owner and CEO role |
| Key investors | Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, Sixth Street Partners |
| Team championships | 18 (most in NBA history) |
| Recent championship | 2024 |
| Preseason start | Oct. 8 |
| Regular season opener | Oct. 22 vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Previous purchase price (2002) | $360 million (Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Transformation of 399 Washington Street in Boston
Additional Resources
- ESPN: Boston Celtics Sale Finalized
- Wikipedia: Boston Celtics
- WCVB: Celtics Sale to Bill Chisholm
- Google Search: Boston Celtics ownership change
- Boston Herald: Celtics Ownership Transition
- Google Scholar: Boston Celtics ownership
- Boston.com: Celtics Sale Complete
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Celtics
- CBS News: Bill Chisholm Takes Over Celtics
- Google News: Boston Celtics news
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