The Boston Celtics, the NBA's most decorated franchise, have been sold to Bill Chisholm, an executive in the private equity sector, for $6.1 billion. This transaction marks the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in North American history, surpassing the $6.05 billion sale of the Washington Commanders (NFL) in 2023.
While the acquisition has been announced, the Grousbeck family, who have owned and managed the team since 2002, will maintain control until 2028. Wycliffe Grousbeck is expected to remain as the team's governor until the final closing date. The family initially indicated their intent to sell a majority stake in June of last year.
Since the Grousbeck family's initial purchase in 2002 for $360 million, the Celtics' value has increased more than 17-fold. The Celtics have secured two NBA championships under their ownership, including the recent 2024 title against the Dallas Mavericks. With 18 NBA titles, the Celtics hold the record for the most championships in the league, edging out the Los Angeles Lakers (17).