In an extraordinary move by Bay Area tech investor Bill Chisholm for the Boston Celtics, the purchase price was set at $6.1 billion, the most ever paid for a North American sports franchise. The astonishing news was first broken by ESPN’s Shams Charania and confirmed by the Grousbeck family and Boston Basketball Partners, the current ownership.
This sale eclipses the previous record of $6 billion established by Joshua Harris when he purchased the NFL’s Washington Commanders. The previous record for an NBA franchise in U.S. history was the acquisition of the Phoenix Suns for $4 billion by Mat Ishbia.
Chisholm stated in a press release that having grown up on the North Shore and pursuing education in New England, he has been a devoted Celtics supporter. He recognizes the significance of the Celtics to the city of Boston; the team’s impact on the community is unparalleled compared to any other city in the nation. Additionally, he acknowledges the responsibility that comes with being a leader of this organization to the people of Boston, and he is ready to embrace this challenge.
“Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area,” said team governor Wyc Grousbeck. “His love for the team and the city of Boston, along with his chemistry with the rest of the Celtics leadership, make him a natural choice to be the next Governor and controlling owner of the team. I know he appreciates the importance of the Celtics and burns with a passion to win on the court while being totally committed to the community. Quite simply, he wants to be a great owner.”
The sale must next be approved by the NBA Board of Governors (the other team owners), but it is expected to go through without problems.
