A group led by private equity executive Bill Chisholm is buying the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion, setting a record for the highest price paid for a US sports team.
Sixth Street, a private equity firm, will contribute over $1 billion. The group also includes Boston businessman Rob Hale and real estate executive Bruce Beal Jr.
Majority owner Wyc Grousbeck, who has been the Celtics’ CEO since 2002, will remain in his role until the 2027-28 season. The NBA must approve the deal, which is expected to be finalized this summer.
The Celtics have won 18 championships, the most in the league’s history. The team currently holds the second-best record in the Eastern Conference and remains a strong title contender.
Their value could reach $7.3 billion by 2028, depending on the NBA’s growth.
The franchise also benefits from the NBA’s new 11-year, $77 billion media rights deal with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon.