• The Boston Celtics are sold for a historic $6.1 billion, marking the largest sale of a sports franchise in American history.
• Bill Chisholm, co-founder of Symphony Technology Group, heads the new ownership group comprising several notable Boston businessmen.
• Wyc Grousbeck, the current owner's representative, will remain CEO and Governor through the 2027-2028 NBA season.

The Boston Celtics have officially agreed to be sold to a group led by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm for a staggering $6.1 billion, establishing a new record for the most expensive sale of a sports franchise in North America. The transaction is pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors but is set to surpass the previous record held by the Washington Commanders, which sold for $6.05 billion in 2023.

Chisholm, who is a lifelong Celtics fan and native of Massachusetts, expressed his enthusiasm about taking on this pivotal role, stating, "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." The new ownership group includes other local business figures such as Rob Hale and Bruce Beal Jr.

Current majority owner, Wyc Grousbeck, who acquired the franchise for $360 million in 2002, acknowledged Chisholm as a natural successor, praising his deep local roots and commitment to the community. Grousbeck will continue to lead the team as CEO and Governor for the next three seasons, ensuring a smooth transition in leadership.

The sale comes on the heels of the Celtics' 18th NBA championship, which they claimed in June 2024, and the franchise has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most valuable teams, previously valued at $6 billion.

Chisholm's new leadership is expected to focus not only on maintaining the team's competitive edge on the court but also on deepening its connection with the Boston community. This commitment will be crucial as the Celtics aim to expand their legacy in the NBA.

For further details on this record-breaking transaction, visit the original articles from SFGate and Reuters.