Boston, August 19, 2025
News Summary
William Chisholm’s investment group has successfully acquired the Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion, the highest price paid for a professional sports franchise in the U.S. The NBA approved the sale, with Chisholm becoming the team’s governor. Wyc Grousbeck retains his role as co-owner and CEO. This monumental transaction sets a new valuation benchmark for sports teams and emphasizes continuity in management amidst changes in ownership. The Celtics, historically renowned with 18 championships, continue their commitment to excellence in performance and business stability under the new ownership.
Boston — William Chisholm‘s investment group has completed a $6.1 billion acquisition of the Boston Celtics, marking the highest price ever paid for an American professional sports franchise.
Top lines
The transaction, announced Tuesday morning, was unanimously approved last week by the NBA’s Board of Governors. Under the new ownership structure, William Chisholm will serve as the team’s governor. Longtime principal owner Wyc Grousbeck will remain with the franchise as a co-owner and chief executive officer responsible for day-to-day operations and will take on the role of alternate governor. Company and team leaders plan to continue current management operations with team president Rich Gotham and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens expected to remain in their positions.
Key details and immediate implications
The purchase sets a new valuation benchmark for U.S. professional sports teams, surpassing the previous record of $4 billion paid for the Phoenix Suns. The deal gives the Celtics a valuation of $6.1 billion, reflecting growing franchise values across professional sports.
Chisholm joins a broader ownership group that includes Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, and the investment firm Sixth Street. The group intends to maintain the Celtics’ operational leadership and continue the franchise’s emphasis on competitive performance and business stability.
Management continuity
Team leadership will remain largely intact. Rich Gotham is expected to stay in his role overseeing business operations, and Brad Stevens is expected to continue as president of basketball operations and general manager. Wyc Grousbeck will shift from principal owner to co-owner and CEO while stepping back from the governor role he had been expected to retain through the 2027–28 NBA season.
Background on the buyer and ownership group
William Chisholm is the managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, a California-based private equity firm. He previously co-founded The Valent Group and worked at Bain & Company and PaineWebber. Chisholm grew up in Georgetown, Massachusetts, and is a Dartmouth College graduate. He has a long personal history as a Celtics fan dating back to teams featuring Dave Cowens and Larry Bird.
The ownership group brings several private investors and investment entities together, combining sports-focused leadership with financial and technology-sector experience. A former co-owner, Steve Pagliuca, publicly acknowledged the new group and noted their leadership capabilities as they take control of the franchise.
Franchise context and recent performance
The Boston Celtics are the most decorated team in NBA history with 18 championships. During Wyc Grousbeck’s 23-year tenure as principal owner, the franchise won two championships. The team is in a transition period following the 2024 championship season and has faced roster changes and notable player injuries in the period since.
Ownership and team officials have emphasized a commitment to preserving the Celtics’ legacy and to remaining focused on winning future championships while managing roster and health challenges.
Why this matters
The sale both reflects and accelerates a trend of rising valuations for major sports franchises. For the Celtics, the new ownership brings additional capital and leadership that could shape everything from player investment and facilities to community initiatives and long-term franchise strategy. Retaining existing executive leadership suggests the group plans steady operational continuity while pursuing competitive goals.
What to watch next
- How Chisholm and co-owners allocate capital for basketball and business operations.
- Decisions on roster moves ahead of the next season as the team manages injuries and lineup changes.
- Any strategic changes announced by co-owners, including investments in facilities, community programs, or global branding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who bought the Boston Celtics?
The team was purchased by an investment group led by William Chisholm, managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group.
How much did the sale cost?
The purchase price was $6.1 billion, the highest amount paid for an American professional sports franchise to date.
Was the sale approved by the NBA?
Yes. The NBA’s Board of Governors gave unanimous approval to the deal last week.
What roles will William Chisholm and Wyc Grousbeck hold?
William Chisholm will serve as the team’s governor. Wyc Grousbeck will be a co-owner and CEO with day-to-day responsibilities and will serve as alternate governor.
Will team executives remain in place?
Yes. Team president Rich Gotham and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens are expected to remain in their current roles.
How successful are the Celtics historically?
The Boston Celtics are the only NBA team with 18 championship trophies, the most in league history.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | $6.1 billion |
| NBA approval | Unanimous approval by the NBA Board of Governors (approved last week) |
| New team governor | William Chisholm |
| Co-owner and CEO | Wyc Grousbeck (will serve as alternate governor) |
| Other notable owners | Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, Sixth Street |
| Team championships | 18 (most in NBA history) |
| Current team leadership | Rich Gotham (team president), Brad Stevens (president of basketball operations) |
| Announcement timing | Ownership change announced Tuesday morning |
| Buyer background | William Chisholm: managing director & co-founder of Symphony Technology Group; Dartmouth alumnus; grew up in Georgetown, Massachusetts |
| Recent team status | Coming off a 2024 championship, undergoing roster changes and managing player injuries |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Hoops Rumors: Celtics Announce New Ownership Structure
- Wikipedia: Boston Celtics
- MassLive: Celtics Reveal New Ownership Details
- Google Search: Boston Celtics ownership
- Boston Globe: Celtics Sale Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Celtics
- NBA.com: Chisholm Group Celtics Ownership
- Google News: Boston Celtics 2025
- Boston Herald: Celtics Ownership Transition
- Front Office Sports: Celtics Ownership Closed
- NBC Sports Boston: Grousbeck and Chisholm Ownership Dynamic
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
