Record-Breaking Sale

The Boston Celtics, current champions of the National Basketball Association (NBA), have been sold for a staggering $6.1 billion. This deal was confirmed by the team’s ownership on Thursday and represents the highest valuation for a sports team in U.S. history, surpassing the previous record set by the Washington Commanders in 2023, which was valued at $6.05 billion.

New Ownership Group

The purchase is spearheaded by Bill Chisholm, a private equity executive, along with notable contributors such as the firm Sixth Street, which is expected to invest over $1 billion. Other prominent figures in the ownership group include Rob Hale, a Boston-area businessman and current part-owner, as well as Bruce Beal Jr., who is the president of Related Companies, a prominent real estate firm.

Chisholm’s Commitment to Boston

Expressing his deep-rooted connection to the team and the city, Chisholm stated, “Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life. I understand how important the Celtics are to the city of Boston — the role the team plays in the community is different than any other city in the country.”

Current Leadership Continues

The Celtics’ existing ownership group, known as Boston Basketball Partners and led by the Grousbeck family, will remain in place until at least the end of the 2027-28 season, with Wyc Grousbeck continuing in his roles as CEO and governor of the franchise.

Grousbeck praised Chisholm, saying, “Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area. 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 for the next Governor and controlling owner of the team.”

Future Prospects and Valuation

According to sources, the Celtics’ valuation could potentially reach $7.3 billion by 2028, contingent on the team’s performance and growth within the NBA. The franchise was previously estimated to be worth approximately $5.5 billion, highlighting considerable increases in value due to soaring media rights and other factors contributing to team valuations.

An 11-year, $76 billion media rights agreement signed by the NBA, effective next season, is projected to significantly enhance team revenues, thereby influencing franchise valuations across the league.

The Celtics’ Legacy

The Boston Celtics boast a storied history, with 18 championships—the most in NBA history. The team is currently in a strong position, holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and vying for consecutive championships.