The Boston Celtics sold for a record $6.1 billion, marking the largest sports franchise in North American history.
Bill Chisholm, managing partner of Symphony Technology Group, won a winning bid for the 18-time NBA championship, surpassing the record set by Josh Harris when he bought the Washington Commander for $6.05 billion in 2023.
The auction is a victory for the Celtics to beat the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals. Incumbent owner Wyc Grousbeck, 63, announced plans to sell his shares in “Estate and Family Planning Considerations.” His initial goal is to sell 51% of the team in late 2024 or early 2025, with the rest of the shares to be transferred in 2028. Grousbeck bought the team for $360 million in 2002 and is expected to continue as team governor until the full transition is completed.
Dartmouth graduate Chisholm grew up in 40 minutes outside Boston and is known as a long-time Celtic fan. Neither the team nor Chisholm commented publicly.
