Boston Celtics Sold for Record $6.1 Billion to Bill Chisholm's Group

NBA Trade Rumors: Boston Celtics Sold for Record $6.1 Billion to Bill Chisholm's Group

The Boston Celtics are set to have new ownership, as a group led by Bill Chisholm has agreed to purchase the franchise for a record-breaking $6.1 billion, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

This staggering price tag surpasses the $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023, making it the highest sale ever for an American sports franchise.

What This Means for the Celtics’ Future

Current team governor Wyc Grousbeck is expected to remain in his role for the foreseeable future, per Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. Grousbeck, who has co-owned the Celtics since 2002, announced in 2024 that he and his family were looking to sell their ownership stake. While the buyer has been identified, the transition process could extend into 2028.

Chisholm, described as a longtime Celtics fan with Massachusetts ties, could help ease concerns about an ownership change. However, as always, there’s uncertainty over whether new leadership will maintain or improve the team’s success.

Steve Pagliuca’s Disappointment Over Losing Bid

Current Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca—who led a competing bid—expressed his frustration that his group was not chosen.

“We made a fully guaranteed and financed offer at a record price,” Pagliuca told Front Office Sports.

He emphasized that his proposal included no debt or private equity money, which he believes could hinder the team’s long-term financial flexibility.

Interestingly, Sixth Street, a private equity firm, is reportedly contributing $1 billion to Chisholm’s purchase. Pagliuca, who made his fortune at Bain Capital, highlighted that his own bid was backed by partners with deep resources in technology and international markets to ensure the Celtics remained title contenders.

Why Now? The Business Side of the Sale
The sale of the Celtics comes at a time when sports franchise valuations are skyrocketing. The Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury were purchased for $4 billion in 2022, a massive jump from the $1.5 billion price tag of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx a year earlier.

For the NBA, this is a prime time to sell. With massive new media rights deals extending through 2035-36, franchise revenues are soaring—but so are operating costs.

One major challenge for ownership is navigating the NBA’s evolving financial landscape:

• Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are projected to earn a combined $120 million per year soon.
• Kristaps Porziņģis (2026), Jrue Holiday (2027), and Derrick White (2028) are all nearing free agency.
• The NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has made it harder to sustain long-term championship rosters.

Given these financial realities, Grousbeck and his group saw an opportunity to sell high—especially considering they originally bought the Celtics for just $360 million in 2002.

What’s Next for the Boston Celtics?

While Grousbeck won’t have to make tough decisions about potential roster changes, the incoming ownership group will face major financial and competitive pressures. Keeping the Celtics as a perennial title contender will require strategic spending and smart roster moves.

For now, the only certainty is that Boston just set a new standard for NBA franchise values—and the league’s financial landscape will never be the same.