In March 2025, Boston Celtics fans were stunned when William “Bill” Chisholm, a businessman with deep New England roots, led a private group in purchasing the storied NBA franchise for a record-breaking $6.1 billion. The move, now the most expensive sale in North American sports history, has left many wondering: who is Bill Chisholm, how much is he worth, and what does this mean for the Celtics? With an estimated net worth in the billions and at 56 years old, Chisholm is no stranger to high-stakes investments.
Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the headline-making deal.
Who Is Bill Chisholm?
Bill Chisholm is the co-founder and chief investment officer of Symphony Technology Group (STG), a private equity firm known for its focus on software, data, and analytics companies. Born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts, Chisholm has always been a true New Englander at heart. His early days were spent balancing academics and athletics, playing soccer for Dartmouth College before earning his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton School.
Before ascending the business ranks, Chisholm was like many Celtics fans—watching games, following the team, and dreaming of championships. But unlike most fans, Chisholm now finds himself in the driver’s seat of one of the NBA’s most iconic franchises.
In a press release announcing the acquisition, Chisholm called himself a “die-hard Celtics fan” and emphasized his deep connection to the city of Boston and its beloved basketball team. “I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,” he said. “I understand how important the Celtics are to the city of Boston – the role the team plays in the community is different than any other city in the country.”
What Is Bill Chisholm’s Net Worth?
While Chisholm’s exact net worth is not publicly disclosed, financial analysts and business outlets estimate it to be in the multi-billion-dollar range as of March 2025. His firm, Symphony Technology Group, manages over $10 billion in assets, placing Chisholm in the upper tier of high-net-worth individuals globally.
Beyond STG, Chisholm’s fortune is likely diversified across various investments, including private equity deals, technology assets, and other holdings. While the precise figure remains undisclosed, his ability to spearhead a $6.1 billion acquisition speaks volumes about the magnitude of his wealth and financial influence.
How Did Chisholm End Up Buying the Boston Celtics?
The Boston Celtics have long been considered a crown jewel of the NBA. Under the Grousbeck family, the Celtics enjoyed significant success, including the 2008 championship and perennial playoff appearances. However, when the opportunity arose to sell, Chisholm and his partners were ready to step in with a monumental offer.
The purchase was finalized in March 2025, with Chisholm’s group agreeing to pay $6.1 billion—setting a new high-water mark for the most money ever paid for a North American sports team. For comparison, that figure surpasses other recent blockbuster deals, such as the $6.05 billion paid for the NFL’s Washington Commanders in 2023.
Chisholm expressed admiration for the previous ownership, stating, “We have immense respect for Wyc, the entire Grousbeck family and their indelible contributions to the Celtics organization over the last 23 years.” He also made it clear that his vision is not about starting over, but building on what has already been established. “We look forward to learning from Wyc and partnering with Brad Stevens, Joe Mazzulla and the talented team and staff to build upon their success.”
Why Did This Celtics Sale Make History?
The $6.1 billion price tag has set a new precedent for the sports world, showcasing the surging valuation of professional sports franchises, especially in the NBA. With television deals, streaming rights, and global fanbases driving up revenues, teams like the Celtics have become increasingly attractive to investors.
The Celtics, with their rich history, 17 NBA championships, and massive fan following, were ripe for this type of mega-deal. The sale also highlights Boston’s unique sports culture, where teams are deeply intertwined with the city’s identity and pride.
Chisholm’s statement touched on this sentiment, recognizing the special bond between the Celtics and Boston fans. “The responsibility as a leader of the organization to the people of Boston is something I take very seriously,” he said.
What’s Next for Chisholm and the Celtics?
Chisholm is stepping into this role at a pivotal time. The Celtics are a championship contender, with a strong roster led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and head coach Joe Mazzulla at the helm. Fans will be watching closely to see how Chisholm’s leadership influences the team’s future, both on and off the court.
Given Chisholm’s background in private equity and his track record of scaling businesses, some speculate he could introduce new innovations in operations, marketing, and fan engagement. However, with his deep ties to New England and the Celtics organization, he appears committed to preserving the franchise’s traditions and competitive spirit.
For now, Celtics Nation can take comfort knowing their new owner is not just a wealthy investor, but a lifelong fan who understands the heart and soul of Boston basketball.
