Boston Celtics sell for record-breaking $6.1 billion, highest price sale in US sports' history

The Boston Celtics' current owner on Thursday announced that the team will be sold to Bill Chisholm, the managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, for a staggering and record-breaking $6.1 billion.

The price tag is the highest ever for a North American sports franchise. The previous record was set by the sale of the National Football League's Washington Commanders in 2023, which sold for $6.05 billion, according to The Athletic. 

The deal still needs approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors, and could take months to complete.

“Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area,” Wyc Grousbeck, the Celtics’ current governor and CEO, said in a statement. “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 to be the next Governor and controlling owner of the team.”

Grousbeck will remain the team's governor and CEO through the 2027-2028 season, and will continue to oversee the team's operations. 

Chisholm said in a statement that he grew up in Boston and has been “a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life." He also praised the team's current leadership, and claimed he looks forward to learning from them.

“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," Chisholm said. "I also understand that there is a responsibility as a leader of the organization to the people of Boston, and I am up for this challenge.”

The team's minority owner Stephen Pagliuca and Philadelphia Phillies minority owner Stan Middleman had also bid for the Celtics.

Sixth Street, a private equity firm, is also buying a portion of the team and will put in more than $1 billion.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.