The Boston Celtics were sold for a record $6.1 billion, the largest sale price of any North American professional sports team in history. This sale surpasses the $6.05 billion purchase price of the Washington Commanders in 2023.
The new ownership team is led by William Chisholm, managing partner and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group. A native of Massachusetts and longtime Celtics fan, Chisholm emphasized his commitment to keeping the team's history and increasing its roots within the community.
“Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life.”William Chisholm
The purchase is still subject to the NBA Board of Governors' approval and standard operating procedure with professional sports team ownership changes.
The Celtics were most recently owned by a Wyc Grousbeck-led group that acquired the team in 2002 for $360 million. During Grousbeck's ownership, the Celtics captured two NBA championships (2008 and 2024) and were consistent playoff contenders.
Grousbeck will continue to be involved with the organization until the 2027-28 season, allowing for a seamless transition to the new ownership group. Under his leadership, the Celtics re-established themselves as a premier NBA franchise and a powerhouse in North American sports.
This record-breaking sale indicates the NBA's growing value in the global sports marketplace. With high-value television rights deals, international fan interest, and expanding revenue streams, NBA franchises are valued more than ever.
Numerous franchises acquired 20 years ago by investors have seen their value rise by 20% over time. For example, Mark Cuban purchased the Dallas Mavericks for $285 million in 2000, and in 2023, he sold just a majority stake to the Adelson Family for $3.5 billion.
So, Cuban only sold half of the franchise to the Adelson Family, and it was still worth more than when he bought it over twenty years ago.
The Phoenix Suns, which sold for $4 billion in 2023.
The Denver Broncos, which were purchased for $4.65 billion in 2022.
The Washington Commanders, whose record-breaking $6.05 billion sale is now in its wake.
Fans are waiting to see where the new ownership will take the team. With the Celtics already established as one of the strongest contenders in the Eastern Conference, fans have high hopes. Chisholm spoke about his intentions of maintaining the team's winning culture and creating programs in the community to assist in bettering the youth.
For more details on the sale, visit the New York Post or Yahoo Sports. Keep up with Celtics news and updates as the NBA landscape evolves.