NBA approves $6.1 billion sale of Boston Celtics to Bill Chisholm-Led Group

The NBA has officially approved the $6.1 billion sale of the Boston Celtics to an investor group led by Bill Chisholm, marking one of the most significant transactions in North American sports history. The deal, agreed five months ago, is expected to close in the coming days.

In a statement on Wednesday, the league confirmed: “The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the controlling interests in the Boston Celtics to an investor group led by Bill Chisholm.”

Read also: Boston Celtics to be sold for record $6.1 Billion: What this means for the NBA

Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and lifelong Celtics fan, is the co-founder and managing director of Symphony Technology Group. When his group agreed to purchase the franchise earlier this year, the $6.1 billion valuation was the highest ever for a North American sports team. That record has since been surpassed by the $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers in June to billionaire Mark Walter.

Leadership Changes and Continuity

Under the terms of the deal, it was initially announced that current CEO and governor Wyc Grousbeck would continue overseeing team operations through the 2027–28 season. However, ESPN reports that Chisholm will assume the role of governor because Grousbeck will no longer hold the NBA-required minimum 15% ownership stake for the position.

Despite the shift, both men are expected to remain heavily involved. Sources say Chisholm and Grousbeck plan to “run the team together as originally planned,” maintaining stability at the top.

From $360 Million to $6.1 Billion

The sale marks a staggering leap in valuation from when the Grousbeck family and Steve Pagliuca purchased the Celtics for $360 million in 2002. Since then, the team has added to its legendary status, securing its record 18th NBA championship in 2024, the most in league history.

For Chisholm, taking over the Celtics is both a business milestone and a personal dream. As a self-described “die-hard Celtics fan,” he now leads one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises into its next chapter.

SportsLigue