Boston Celtics Changes Hands for World-Record $6.1 Billion to Group Headed by William Chisholm

American businessman William Chisholm on Thursday reached an agreement to buy the Boston Celtics, the most successful franchise in NBA history, in a record setting deal valued around 6.1 billion (4.7 billion) dollars.

It makes the deal, already world-record-breaking, even better: time of writing, this is more than the $6 billion sale of the NFL's Washington Commanders in 2023, giving it the honour of being the most money ever paid for a North American sports franchise.

Chisholm, who grew up in the Boston area and is a lifelong Celtics fan, is co-founder and managing partner of California-based private equity firm Symphony Technology Group. He heads a group that will succeed the Grousbeck family and Steve Pagliuca, who bought the team in 2002 for $360 million (£277 million).

Last season, the Celtics further established their greatness, knocking off the Dallas Mavericks for a record-extending 18th NBA championship and to cement their reputation as the NBA's fourth-most valuable franchise, valued at $6 billion (£4.6 billion) in a 2023 poll by Business Insider.

In a statement on the acquisition, Chisholm reflected on his long history with the Celtics and the Boston community. “They are so much more than a basketball team; they are part of the fabric of the city’s culture and history,” he said. “I know the responsibility of being at the helm of this organization and am looking forward to the challenge.”

Wyc Grousbeck will continue as Celtics governor and CEO until at least the end of the 2027-28 season, allowing a smooth transition before Chisholm takes full control.

The sale reflects the increasing value placed on NBA teams, with pairnd recent acquisitions of teams, including the Phoenix Suns, for 4 billion US dollars (£3.3 billion) 2022, signaling the deepening financial might of the league. Hoping to replicate success on the court, as Chisholm prepares to take the job, Celtics fans will hope.