Shocking news in the sports world reports that the Boston Celtics, reigning National Basketball Association champions, have been sold for a record-breaking $6.1 billion. The transaction, which was announced on March 20, 2025, shows the franchise changing hands from the Grousbeck family to an investment group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm. This sale sets a new record for the highest valuation of any North American sports franchise, topping the previous record of 6.05 billion set by the National Football League’s Washington Commanders two years ago. 

A new era begins

Many fans are worried about the change in ownership but rest assured because Bill Chisholm, co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, is a Massachusetts native and a lifelong Celtics fan. His deep-rooted passion and business background leave the Celtics in great hands in years to come. In one interview, he described himself as “bleed[ing] green.” Chisholm shares his vision and short term and long term goals for the Celtics, "I want to raise banners. I want to raise them now, and I want to raise them in the future as well," he said in an interview. 

The Grousbeck Legacy

Since 2002, the Grousbeck family has owned the Celtics when they purchased the team for $360 million from Paul Gaston. Under their ownership, the Celtics won two NBA championships in 2008 and 2024, making them one of the league's most successful franchises. At the forefront of their leadership, Lyc Grousbeck showed commitment to excellence and a deep connection to the team's fanbase.

Even after the sale, Lyc Grousbeck will continue to serve as the team's governor and CEO through the 2027-2028 season. This will ensure a smooth transition and preserve the culture that is so important not just to the team but also the City of Boston.

The sale

The $6.1 billion sale price of the Celtics surpasses previous records and clearly shows the increasing values of NBA franchises. Chisholm's business, Symphony Technology Group, includes figures such as Bruce A. Beal Jr. and Rob Hale, whose involvement could also grow the team's financial flexibility. For the Celtics, this capital increase could solidify their place as one of the best NBA teams with more funds to acquire younger talent.

Additionally, the Celtics home court is at TD Garden — owned and operated by the Boston Bruins ice hockey team. As a result of this, the Celtics have lost out on concession sales at games and concert revenue. As such, this capital increase could lead to a Celtics facility being built somewhere in Boston, providing increased revenue for the team.  ​

Looking ahead

As the Celtics transition to new ownership, there are several key areas that are most important. A higher capital that this new ownership brings could help the Celtics solidify their place at the top of the league’s standings with more funds allocated to secure new talent. To ensure stability of the team, Grousbeck will still be part of the front office as CEO and the team’s governor which will definitely keep the team’s morale. And finally, more investments in technology and a possibly new facility will contribute to fan engagement initiatives and play a significant role in the longevity of the team​. While the sale of the Celtics is the closing of one chapter, it is also the beginning of another. With his passion for the Celtics and the whole City of Boston, Bill Chisolm starts a new chapter, determined to drive more team success.