NBA Approves $6.1 Billion Sale of Boston Celtics to Bill Chisholm-Led Group

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has officially approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to an investment group headed by American billionaire businessman Bill Chisholm, five months after the record-breaking $6.1 billion deal was first announced.

In a statement, the league confirmed, “The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the sale of the controlling interests in the Boston Celtics to an investor group led by Bill Chisholm. The transaction is expected to close shortly.”

Chisholm, managing director and co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, completed the purchase alongside co-investors at an initial valuation of $6.1 billion — setting a record for the most expensive sale of a North American sports team at the time. That record was later broken by the $10 billion acquisition of the Los Angeles Lakers by billionaire Mark Walter.

Initially, outgoing owner Wyc Grousbeck was expected to remain as CEO and governor of the franchise through the 2027-28 season. However, new reports indicate Chisholm will take over the governor role because Grousbeck no longer meets the NBA’s minimum 15% ownership requirement.

Despite this change, both Chisholm — a Massachusetts native and lifelong Celtics fan — and Grousbeck are expected to work together to manage the team as originally planned.

The Boston Celtics, one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, boast a record 18 championships, with their latest title secured in 2024.