The Boston Celtics made headlines on Thursday with the announcement that owner Wyc Grousbeck has agreed to sell the team to Symphony Technology Group managing partner Bill Chisholm for a record-breaking $6.1 billion.
This deal marks the largest sale of a North American professional sports franchise, surpassing the $6.05 billion price tag of Josh Harris’s 2023 purchase of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
While the historic sale is a significant milestone, it also raises important questions for Celtics fans. A change in ownership often brings shifts in financial philosophy, with some owners willing to spend aggressively to build a championship roster, while others prioritize financial efficiency—even at the risk of frustrating the fan base.
Despite the uncertainty, Chisholm sought to ease concerns when speaking with ESPN’s Shams Charania over the weekend.
His comments come as the Celtics continue their push for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and prepare to defend their NBA title in the postseason.
Bill Chisholm appears content with the state of the Boston Celtics as he prepares to take over ownership.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Chisholm expressed satisfaction with the team’s current position and the foundation laid by Wyc Grousbeck.
While he won’t officially assume the roles of governor and CEO until the end of the 2027-28 season, his comments suggest he isn’t planning any major changes.
Instead, he recognizes the success of Grousbeck’s tenure in establishing the Celtics as one of the NBA’s premier franchises.
“The team is in a great place right now and I”m very sensitive to that,” Chisholm said via Charania. “Wyc, [general manager Brad Stevens] and [head coach Joe Mazzulla] have done amazing jobs. …My approach is to win and raise banners. That’s in the near term and the long term.”
Bill Chisholm cited his deep-rooted fandom for the Boston Celtics as a key motivation behind his record-breaking purchase of the franchise. His passion for the team played a significant role in his decision to acquire the organization at a historic price, further emphasizing his commitment to maintaining its legacy and success.
“I bleed green,” Chisholm said. “I love the Celtics. When the opportunity came up, I couldn’t pass it up. Wyc has done an incredible job. So why would you mess that up? I’ve had a couple of sitdowns with [Stevens] and it’s been about aligning our goals, and extending the window of this team.”
Chisholm’s enthusiasm for owning the Celtics is evident, but like any major investment, it comes with hidden costs. While head coach Joe Mazzulla and president Brad Stevens are secure after an NBA title, the team’s financial situation is a looming challenge. With a projected $230 million payroll far exceeding the NBA’s second apron, the Celtics face a staggering $270 million tax penalty.
Chisholm doesn’t seem deterred by the financial hit, but the real issue lies in the strict roster-building penalties for teams above the second apron.
These restrictions—including frozen first-round picks and multiple trade limitations—make it increasingly difficult to sustain a championship-caliber team.
Former owner Wyc Grousbeck even pointed to these challenges when making a bold prediction about the NBA’s future.
“You can’t stay in the second apron. Nobody will,” Grousbeck said during an interview on WEEI on Friday. “I predict for the next 40 years of the CBA no one’s going to stay in the second apron for more than two years. …It’s not the luxury-tax bill. It’s the basketball penalties, OK? The new CBA was designed by the league to stop teams from going crazy. And they decided that it’s not just good enough to go after the wallets.”
With Jaylen Brown ($53.1 million), Jayson Tatum ($54.1 million), Jrue Holiday ($32.4 million), Kristaps Porzingis ($30.7 million), and Derrick White ($28.1 million) carrying hefty salaries next season, the Celtics may need to make a move or two to dip below the second apron.
While difficult roster decisions could be on the horizon, Chisholm appears willing to approve any necessary financial moves to keep the team competitive.
