The Boston Celtics sold for $6.1 billion to a consortium led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm
A consortium led by private equity businessman Bill Chisholm is paying $6.1 billion for the NBA’s Boston Celtics, the team’s owners announced Thursday.
Sixth Street, a private equity firm, will pay more than $1 billion to the new ownership group, according to a person familiar with the situation. The ownership group also includes Boston businessman Rob Hale and Bruce Beal Jr., president of Related Companies.
The Grousbeck family leads Boston Basketball Partners, the current ownership group of the Celtics. Wyc Grousbeck, the team’s CEO and governor, will continue in these positions through the 2027-2028 season.
«Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area,» Grousbeck said in a statement. «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.»
The $6.1 billion sale price is the biggest for a franchise in US sports history, surpassing the $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023.
The transfer of the franchise to a large ownership group occurs as sports franchise valuations soar, making it more difficult for individuals or families to purchase a club on their own. Last year, the NFL followed the NBA and other major leagues by allowing private equity firms to invest in franchises.
The Celtics have 18 championships, the most in NBA history. This season, the club has the second-best record in the NBA’s Eastern Conference and is seen as a strong candidate for a second straight championship.
