New Owner, Same Goal for the Celtics
The Boston Celtics are stepping into a new chapter, but one that feels more steady than uncertain. With Bill Chisholm officially taking over as the team's new owner, the franchise is embracing change while still keeping much of its successful foundation intact. At his first press conference, Chisholm made it clear that his mission is simple: win championships and raise banners. He even emphasized that he's ready to do "whatever it takes" to keep the Celtics at the top. That message delivered while sitting beside Wyc Grousbeck, Rich Gotham, and Brad Stevens, reassured fans that the franchise isn't about to lose its identity.
Chisholm, a Massachusetts native who built his fortune in private equity, is paying at least $6.1 billion for the team, setting a record for the most expensive purchase of an American professional sports franchise. For him, buying the Celtics wasn't just a business move — it was the chance to invest in the team he grew up supporting. The timing couldn't have been more personal, considering the Celtics recently added another championship in 2024 behind the duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca, who purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million, leave behind a legacy of two titles, 20 playoff appearances, and a culture of winning. That success is the standard Chisholm inherits, and by all indications, he's not planning on lowering the bar.
What makes this transition unique is the level of continuity behind the scenes. Grousbeck will remain as CEO for at least five years, and although his ownership share is dipping below the governor threshold, he'll still serve as alternate governor. That move ensures there's still institutional knowledge and leadership carrying over into this new era. Brad Stevens, who has earned league-wide respect for his smart roster building, continues to oversee basketball operations. The Celtics' organizational stability is part of what has made them so successful over the last two decades, and keeping those key figures in place should ease any fan concerns about ownership changes disrupting momentum. Continuity is often underrated, but in Boston, it's been the backbone of success.
Of course, ownership isn't just about who's in the front office; it's about decisions that shape the team's future. Chisholm addressed the possibility of moving the team out of TD Garden but quickly dismissed it, saying both players and fans are happy with the current home. His comments about keeping the Celtics and Bruins together also highlight the importance of tradition in Boston's sports culture. Longtime fans know the Garden isn't just an arena, it's part of the team's identity. By reaffirming that commitment, Chisholm showed an awareness of what makes the Celtics unique. That's a significant indication that the new leadership prioritizes the connection between the team, its fans, and the city.
Still, Chisholm takes over at a complicated time for the roster. Jayson Tatum is recovering from Achilles surgery after last season's devastating playoff exit against the Knicks. The salary cap has also forced Boston to make tough decisions, leading to the departure of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday this summer. While those trades may have appeared to be cost-cutting measures, both Grousbeck and Stevens made it clear that the second apron rules left the team with no choice. Staying flexible under the new CBA was the only way to keep making aggressive roster moves. That reality is one of the biggest challenges Chisholm will face as he tries to balance spending with competitiveness.
Despite those hurdles, the message emerging from Thursday's press conference was one of confidence. Chisholm stressed that he wants to give Brad Stevens and the basketball operations team the freedom to keep building the roster strategically. "Flexibility" was the keyword, but "winning" was the bottom line. The Celtics are still built around one of the best cores in the NBA, and if Tatum returns healthy, Boston remains a contender. A change in ownership can sometimes bring uncertainty, but in this case, the Celtics appear focused on making the transition seamless. For a franchise with a history built on banners, Chisholm's era is starting with the right mindset: staying the course and continuing to chase championships.
