Celtics Sold for $6.1 Billion
On March 20, the Boston Celtics were officially sold in a deal valued at $6.1 billion, with the potential to rise to $6.7 billion. This mega-deal surpasses Josh Harris’ acquisition of the Washington Commanders as the largest sports franchise transaction in history.
The buyer, William “Bill” Chisholm, will assume control of the team from Wyc Grousbeck once the deal is finalized this summer. Chisholm, who says he “lives and breathes” the Celtics, has been contemplating this purchase for years, dating back to when he attended his first NBA game at the garden.
As an investor, Chisholm personally oversees Symphony Technology Group (STG), a private equity firm in Menlo Park that manages about $10 billion in assets and focuses on expanding software-centric companies.
Though the decision to change the team’s ownership was shocking when announced, the purchase has been in progress since last summer when the Celtics’ ownership group, Boston Basketball Partners LLC., divested its core. Grousbeck stated that Chisholm was the ideal candidate, saying he “checks every box.”
Without directly addressing the media, Chisholm emphasized the team’s ties to the Boston area and his determination to secure more championships at TD Garden as the foundation of his passion. In an exclusive conversation with Shams Charania, Chisholm expressed how much this purchase means to him.
“It’s a dream come true. I have had to pinch myself. This is the best sports franchise in the world—not just the United States and not just basketball. It’s the winningest team in the U.S., and the quality here is unmatched. I think about the potential and the legacy, and I personally feel like I got a bargain. I’m a fan. That’s the most important thing. I bleed green. I’m up for the challenge,” he said.
As Celtics fans prepare for the next chapter in the franchise, trust that the new leadership will maintain the Celtics’ core will need to be earned.
