The Boston Celtics, the reigning NBA champions, are set to change hands in a stunning $6.1 billion deal, marking the highest sale price ever recorded for a North American professional sports franchise. The transaction, led by private equity co-founder William Chisholm, was announced Thursday and is expected to reshape the ownership landscape of one of basketball’s most storied teams.
The deal surpasses the previous record of $6.05 billion, set in 2023 when Apollo Global Management’s Josh Harris purchased the NFL’s Washington Commanders. The Celtics also break the NBA’s former record sale price of $4.1 billion, set by Mat Ishbia’s purchase of the Phoenix Suns in 2022.
Ownership Transition and Key Players
Chisholm, the managing partner of Symphony Technology Group LLC and a Massachusetts native, will helm an ownership group that includes:
- Outgoing majority owner Wyc Grousbeck
- Minority owner and Granite Telecommunications co-founder Rob Hale
- Related Cos. President Bruce A. Beal Jr.
- Private equity firm Sixth Street Partners
Despite relinquishing majority ownership, Grousbeck will remain the team’s CEO and represent the Celtics on the NBA Board of Governors through the 2027-28 season at Chisholm’s request.
The deal was orchestrated by high-profile legal teams, with Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz representing the investor group and Cooley LLP advising the Celtics and the Grousbeck family.
