A New Era in Boston: Bill Chisholm Takes the Reins of the Celtics
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The Boston Celtics may have a new owner, but the mission remains unchanged: raise banners, and keep raising them.
On Tuesday, private equity mogul Bill Chisholm officially took control of the NBA’s most decorated franchise, completing a record-shattering $6.1 billion purchase from longtime governor Wyc Grousbeck. The deal, unanimously approved by the league, sets a new benchmark for U.S. sports franchises — a figure that could rise to $7.3 billion by 2028 as full control transfers to Chisholm’s group.
But for the Massachusetts native, the numbers only tell part of the story.
“Coming in second is not the objective, and it’s not acceptable,” Chisholm said at his introduction. “The ultimate yardstick is winning championships. Wyc’s got two, and we’re going to get more. He and I together are going to help drive that.”
A Fan Turned Owner
Chisholm grew up on Celtics basketball. His first memories were of Dave Cowens, JoJo White, and John Havlicek in the 1970s, but it was the Bird–McHale–Parish era that cemented him as a “rabid fan.”
“How can you be a teenager in New England with that group and not end up a lifelong Celtics fan?” he said.
Now, after decades of cheering from the stands, Chisholm has a seat at the head of the table — as governor and majority owner of one of the league’s flagship teams.
The Legacy He Inherits
The Celtics have long stood as the NBA’s gold standard, with 18 championships and a lineage of legends from Red Auerbach and Bill Russell to Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett.
Grousbeck and co-owner Steve Pagliuca bought the team in 2002 for $360 million, overseeing an era that included two titles, two Finals losses, and 20 playoff appearances in 23 seasons. The 2024 championship, powered by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, restored Boston to the top of the league.
“It’s an unbelievable responsibility, and an unbelievable thrill,” Grousbeck reflected. “The greats built it. We’re just here trying to maintain the legacy, which is a great honor.”
Stability at the Top, Challenges Ahead
For now, the basketball brain trust remains intact: Team president Rich Gotham, GM Brad Stevens, and head coach Joe Mazzulla will continue in their roles. Chisholm insists there will be no sweeping changes.
“We’ve got a really solid core, the best basketball people there are, and a strong business operations team,” he said. “Why would you go make major changes to that?”
Still, challenges loom. Tatum is rehabbing from Achilles surgery after an injury that derailed Boston’s title defense. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis — key cogs in the 2024 run — were traded to avoid the NBA’s punishing second-apron tax.
“We had our two years at supermax, 100 mph, and now you take a year to reset,” Grousbeck explained. “We’ll be back. We’re coming back as hard as we can.”
Looking Forward
Chisholm’s ownership group, which includes Aditya Mittal, Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, Ian Loring, and private equity firm Sixth Street, brings both capital and continuity.
The Celtics, with their blend of history and ambition, now enter a transitional moment: recovering from roster shifts, managing salary cap realities, and awaiting the return of their superstar.
But one thing is certain. From Chisholm’s words to the banners in the rafters, the north star hasn’t shifted.
“We are committed to building on the legacy of the Celtics and raising banners,” Chisholm said. “And I can’t wait for the team to get back out there this fall.”