Celtics Sell Franchise at Record Valuation of $6.1 Billion
The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm, setting a new benchmark in American sports finance. The deal values the iconic franchise at $6.1 billion, making it the most expensive sale of a U.S. professional sports team to date.
Under the agreement, Chisholm will immediately take control of at least 51% of the team, with full ownership projected by 2028 at an elevated valuation of up to $7.3 billion. Outgoing governor and CEO Wyc Grousbeck, who led the group that bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million, will transition to the role of alternate governor and continue as CEO until 2028.
Bill Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, is stepping into the role as the Celtics’ governor. His investment group also includes Boston business figures Rob Hale and Bruce Beal Jr.. Chisholm’s acquisition outpaced rival bids, including one from former minority partner Steve Pagliuca, who has since pivoted to attempting to acquire and relocate the Connecticut Sun, a bid currently facing resistance from the WNBA.
A Record-Shattering Valuation
At $6.1 billion, the sale breaks the previous U.S. sports franchise record of $6.05 billion, established by the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023. This purchase not only reflects Chisholm’s fandom as he’s described as having an “encyclopedic knowledge” of the team – but also his commitment to preserving the Celtics’ rich legacy and future success on and off the court.
It also eclipses prior NBA records, including the $4 billion purchase of the Phoenix Suns by Mat Ishbia in 2023. The Celtics’ skyrocketing valuation – from $360 million in 2002 to over $6 billion today – represents an astonishing 1,600–1,700% return on investment. This dramatic increase reflects both the franchise’s sustained success, culminating in NBA championships in 2008 and 2024, and the booming economics of professional basketball.
Chisholm's group will gradually consolidate ownership, buying out remaining minority shareholders by 2028, with the franchise valuation anticipated to reach $7.3 billion at that time. During the transition period, Grousbeck will maintain a leadership role, though as the purchase progresses, his equity stake may fall below the NBA's 15% threshold required to serve as governor.
Significance Beyond Boston
This groundbreaking deal cements the Celtics as the highest-priced asset in U.S. sports history, overtaking the Commanders and Suns in valuation. The sale also underscores a broader trend: skyrocketing franchise values across leagues, fueled by lucrative media rights, global audience growth, and expanding sponsorship opportunities.
In fact, Forbes suggests that such a valuation could now “clear the way” for renewed discussion around NBA expansion, with the league awaiting clarity on franchise pricing before pressing ahead. With a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, this sale ushers in a new chapter for the Celtics – rooted in legacy, powered by ambition, and poised for continued success.
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