Boston Celtics Sold in Landmark $6.1 Billion Deal Led by Symphony Technology Group Co-Founder Bill Chisholm

In a groundbreaking move reshaping the NBA's ownership landscape, the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, are set to be sold for an unprecedented $6.1 billion to an investment group spearheaded by private equity powerhouse Bill Chisholm. This historic transaction, announced on Thursday, marks the largest sale of a professional sports team in U.S. history, eclipsing the $6.05 billion paid for the NFL's Washington Commanders in 2023.

If approved by the NBA Board of Governors, the deal is expected to close by summer 2025, ushering in a new era for the storied franchise, which boasts 18 NBA championships—tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most titles in league history.

Inside the Billion-Dollar Deal: Key Players in the Celtics’ Ownership Shift

At the forefront of the purchase is Bill Chisholm, co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, known for his leadership in the private equity space and his deep roots in the Boston area. Chisholm’s passion for the team runs deep. "Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life," he said in a statement. "I fully understand the responsibility that comes with leading this franchise. The Celtics are more than just a basketball team—they are an integral part of Boston’s identity and community."

The investment group includes several high-profile partners:

• Sixth Street Partners, a global investment firm, is contributing over $1 billion to the acquisition, according to sources familiar with the transaction.
• Rob Hale, Boston businessman and current Celtics minority owner, is expanding his stake in the team.
• Bruce Beal Jr., president of Related Companies, a major real estate development firm, is also joining the group.

This group is poised to take over from Boston Basketball Partners LLC, the ownership consortium led by the Grousbeck family, who have controlled the franchise since 2002, when they purchased it for $360 million—a fraction of its current valuation.

Wyc Grousbeck to Remain in Key Roles Through 2028

Despite the ownership change, Wyc Grousbeck, the Celtics’ current governor and CEO, will remain in his leadership roles through the 2027-2028 NBA season to ensure a smooth transition. Grousbeck spoke highly of Chisholm, stating, “Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area. His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the rest of the Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice to be the next governor and controlling owner of the team.”

The NBA has yet to issue an official comment on the proposed sale.

A Record-Breaking Sale in a Skyrocketing Market

The $6.1 billion price tag reflects the meteoric rise in sports franchise valuations, driven largely by booming media rights deals and the growing involvement of private equity firms in team ownership. For context:

• CNBC valued the Celtics at $5.5 billion earlier this year, ranking them among the most valuable franchises in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors currently hold the top spot at an estimated $9.4 billion.
• The NBA's new media rights deal, worth $76 billion over 11 years, kicks in next season. Signed with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video, this agreement more than doubles the league’s previous deal and is expected to further boost team valuations across the league.

These developments have made it increasingly difficult for individuals or families to buy teams outright, as private equity firms now play a larger role. In 2023, the NFL followed in the footsteps of the NBA and MLB, allowing institutional investors to hold minority stakes in franchises.

The Celtics: A Championship Legacy and a Bright Future

The Boston Celtics are one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports. Their 18 NBA titles tie them for the most in league history, and they remain a powerhouse in today’s game. As of March 2025, they hold the second-best record in the NBA's Eastern Conference and are strong contenders to repeat as champions.

Founded in 1946, the Celtics’ legacy includes basketball legends such as Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and current stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Under the stewardship of the Grousbeck-led ownership group, the team ended a 22-year title drought by winning the 2024 NBA Finals, adding to their storied history.

Private Equity’s Growing Influence in Sports Ownership

This landmark sale is another example of the increasing role private equity firms are playing in professional sports:

• Sixth Street, one of the major backers in this Celtics deal, already holds stakes in European soccer powerhouses, including FC Barcelona’s media rights.
• Firms like Arctos Sports Partners and RedBird Capital have also expanded their presence across leagues, buying stakes in teams from MLB, NHL, MLS, and European football.

As valuations soar, these firms bring not only capital but also operational expertise, transforming how franchises are run and monetized.

What’s Next? Approval and Future Plans

The deal now awaits formal approval by the NBA Board of Governors, a process that could take several months. Once finalized, Chisholm and his partners are expected to explore new opportunities for the Celtics both on and off the court.

Industry insiders anticipate the new owners will:

• Invest in state-of-the-art fan experiences at TD Garden.
• Expand global branding and merchandising efforts.
• Leverage digital media and streaming platforms to reach a broader audience.

With the Celtics already riding high as defending champions and a team loaded with young talent, the future looks bright under Chisholm’s leadership.

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