In a seismic shift for the NBA’s most storied franchise, billionaire Bill Chisholm and his investment group have officially taken the reins of the Boston Celtics, following unanimous approval from the NBA’s Board of Governors. The deal, finalized at a jaw-dropping $6.1 billion—a record-breaking figure when announced in March—marks a new chapter for the team with the most championships in league history.
The Celtics organization unveiled key details of the transition on Tuesday, shedding light on the new ownership group and the leadership structure moving forward. Chisholm will step into the role of governor, holding controlling interest in the franchise. Meanwhile, Wyc Grousbeck, a pivotal figure in the team’s recent history, will stay on as CEO, co-owner, and alternate governor. Aditya Mittal, a major stakeholder, will also serve as an alternate governor, ensuring a robust leadership team to guide the Celtics into the future.
“This is a dream come true for me and my family,” Chisholm said in a heartfelt statement. “I’m beyond honored to lead this exceptional group of investors—accomplished, passionate individuals who share a deep commitment to the Celtics and the Boston community. Together with Wyc, Brad Stevens, and Rich Gotham, we’re ready to build on this franchise’s incredible legacy and chase more banners. I can’t wait to see the team hit the court this fall.”
The ownership group is a powerhouse of business titans, including Bruce Beal, Andrew Bialecki, Dom Ferrante, Rob Hale, Mario Ho, and Ian Loring, with private investment firm Sixth Street also playing a significant role. Early reports suggested Chisholm was still assembling his investor team when the sale was announced, but any concerns about funding were quickly dispelled as the group solidified its financial backing, paving the way for Chisholm to take the helm.
Originally, Grousbeck was expected to remain the governor for a few more seasons post-sale. However, a last-minute adjustment to the deal shifted his role, though he will continue to oversee day-to-day operations alongside Chisholm and the existing basketball and business management teams. “The Celtics have been my life’s work for the past 23 years,” Grousbeck said. “This incredible journey continues, and I’m thrilled to work shoulder-to-shoulder with Bill as we pull every lever to pursue another championship. There’s nothing better than winning.”
The timing of this transition couldn’t be more pivotal. The Celtics are navigating a transformative offseason, with significant salary reductions due to basketball penalties and a retooling phase looming. The pressure is somewhat eased for the 2025-26 season, as star Jayson Tatum recovers from an Achilles injury. Yet, the spotlight will remain on how Chisholm and his group steer the franchise through these challenges, balancing immediate needs with long-term ambitions.
Chisholm was quick to acknowledge the legacy of the previous ownership. “I want to personally thank Wyc, Steve Pagliuca, and their group for their incredible stewardship of the Celtics over the past 23 years,” he said. “As a fan, I’m deeply grateful for their contributions to the team and the Boston community.”