NBA-Reigning champion Celtics agree to record-breaking $6.1 billion sale

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(Reuters) – The reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics have agreed to a $6.1 billion sale to a group headed by private equity firm Symphony Technology Group co-founder William Chisholm, the team said on Thursday.

The sale, which is still pending approval from the NBA Board of Governors, would break the record for most expensive sports team purchase in North America, eclipsing the $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023.

“Bill is a terrific person and a true Celtics fan, born and raised here in the Boston area,” Celtics majority owner Wyc Grousbeck said in a news release.

“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 continue in his roles of Celtics CEO and Governor, overseeing team operations, through the 2027-2028 NBA season.

In addition to Chisholm and Grousbeck, the ownership group also includes Boston business executives and philanthropists Rob Hale, a current Celtics owner, and Bruce A. Beal Jr., among others.

“Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,” Chisholm said.

“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.

“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 Celtics, who lifted their 18th NBA championship last year to break a tie with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history, announced last July their intention to sell the team.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Ed Osmond)