The NBA has unanimously approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to a consortium led by private equity veteran Bill Chisholm, in a record-breaking deal valuing the team at more than $6.1bn, the highest price ever paid for a US professional sports franchise.

Chisholm will take immediate control of at least 51% of the Celtics, with the option to acquire full ownership by 2028, potentially lifting the total transaction value to $7.3bn. 

The deal surpasses the $6.05bn paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023 and more than doubles the NBA’s previous record of $4bn for the Phoenix Suns.

A Massachusetts native and managing partner of California-based Symphony Technology Group, Chisholm will be joined by existing Celtics shareholder Rob Hale and Boston businessman Bruce Beal Jr.

The outgoing ownership group, led by Wyc Grousbeck, acquired the franchise in 2002 for $360m, guiding the Celtics to NBA championships in 2008 and 2024. Under the new leadership, Chisholm aims to build on the team’s record 18 NBA titles and expand its commercial growth.

Chisholm outbid several rivals, including a group headed by former minority owner Steve Pagliuca.

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