NBA
The Boston Celtics will have a new owner for the first time in more than two decades and two NBA championships. An investor group led by William Chisholm, the managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, will buy the franchise at a $6.1 billion valuation, Boston’s current ownership group announced in a Thursday statement.
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The sale price is the largest for a North American sports franchise, topping the $6.05 billion that a group led by Josh Harris paid for the Washington Commanders and far surpassing the $4 billion valuation the Phoenix Suns got when Mat Ishbia bought the team in 2023.
Sixth Street, a private equity firm, is also buying a portion of the team, as well as current minority owner Rob Hale and Bruce A. Beal Jr.
Wyc Grousbeck, the current governor, will remain in that role and as CEO through the 2027-2028 NBA season, a source briefed on the deal said, and continue to oversee team operations.
The Celtics went on sale last July, just days after the franchise won its latest NBA title. It has been owned by the a consortium led by the Grousbeck family since 2002.
Chisholm is a lifelong Celtics fan and grew up on Boston’s North Shore.
(Photo: Brian Fluharty / Getty Images)
Mike Vorkunov is the national basketball business reporter for The Athletic. He covers the intersection of money and basketball and covers the sport at every level. He previously spent three-plus seasons as the New York Knicks beat writer. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeVorkunov
