A Sale Rooted in Championship Glory
The decision to sell the franchise came just weeks after the Celtics secured their 18th NBA title in June 2024, making them the most decorated team in league history. On July 1, Grousbeck officially put the team on the market, signaling the end of an era for an ownership group that purchased the Celtics for just $360 million in 2002.
Chisholm’s Boston Roots and Business Acumen
A Georgetown, Massachusetts native, Chisholm attended Dartmouth College for his undergraduate degree and later earned an MBA from Wharton. He co-founded Symphony Technology Group in 2002, following a successful tenure at risk management firm Valent Group.
Grousbeck, the outgoing majority owner, praised Chisholm’s deep ties to Boston and his passion for the Celtics.
Private Equity’s Growing Influence in Pro Sports
The sale underscores the growing presence of private equity in professional sports. San Francisco-based Sixth Street Partners, now a limited partner in two NBA teams, previously invested in the San Antonio Spurs in 2021. The firm was also among four private equity groups approved by the NFL in 2023 to acquire limited partnerships in football franchises.
This week, Sixth Street announced a new investment in MLB’s San Francisco Giants, further expanding its sports portfolio. When asked about its Celtics stake, Sixth Street declined to comment.
