Boston Celtics to Be Sold in Two-Stage Deal Led by Billionaire Investor William Chisholm

The Boston Celtics ownership group, Boston Basketball Partners LLC, has announced plans to sell the iconic NBA franchise in a two-phase transaction that will ultimately place majority control in the hands of private equity executive William “Bill” Chisholm.

Illustration: WSJ, Bill Chisholm, Winslow Townson/Associated Press

Under the structure, the current owners will retain control until 2028, at which point Chisholm — co-founder of investment firm Sentinel Capital Partners — will acquire a controlling interest. The staggered sale allows for a smooth transition and continued operational stability, with no expected changes to team leadership or performance strategy during the interim.

The deal underscores growing private capital interest in professional sports franchises, where valuations continue to soar amid global media rights expansion, brand monetization, and technology-driven fan engagement. The Celtics, one of the league’s most storied teams, were last valued at over $4 billion.

corpbrief insight:

In sports ownership, legacy meets liquidity. The Celtics deal shows how billion-dollar franchises are becoming strategic assets in long-term private equity portfolios.