The Celtics confirmed that they will change their ownership for a high price of 6.1 billion, setting a record for American sports team transactions

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, Symphony Technology Group's managing partner Bill Chisholm has confirmed that he will buy the Boston Celtics from the Groesbeck family for $6.1 billion.

The $6.1 billion transaction price set a new record for NBA team acquisitions, far exceeding the $4 billion Matt Ishbia paid for the Phoenix Suns two years ago. The deal also became the most expensive team acquisition in the history of North American professional sports, breaking the record of $6.05 billion for the NFL team Washington Commanders in 2023.

The transaction also involves Boston businessmen Rob Hale and Bruce Beal, of which Hale is a small shareholder of the Celtics. It is also reported that Wyke Grousbeck will continue to serve as the Celtics CEO and team representative for the next three years to ensure a smooth transition.

Chisholm also confirmed the arrangement and said: "Wyke Grousbeck has done a great job running the team, so why mess with it? The team is in a great state right now and I am very sensitive to that. Wyke, Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzula have done a great job in their respective positions and we hope to continue the success they have brought."

The transaction is a phased sale, and Chisholm is expected to hold at least 51% of the team's shares after the NBA Board of Governors approves it this summer. The remaining shares will be transferred by 2028 at the latest, with a maximum price of 20%. Some people believe that this acquisition may affect the NBA's expansion process. The NBA hopes to use this transaction as a reference standard to more accurately evaluate the franchise fee of the new team.

After the acquisition was completed, Chisholm told Shams Charania: "The process of acquiring the team can actually be traced back to nearly 50 years ago - when I was just 7 years old, I watched a game in the old Boston Garden. Since then, I have been deeply attracted to the Celtics and I am still an avid fan. I have green blood flowing in my blood and I love the Celtics. When the acquisition opportunity came, I simply couldn't refuse it."

"My goal, both in the short and long term, is always to win and win more championship banners. I have had several in-depth conversations with Brad, primarily to ensure our goals are aligned and to extend the team's window of competition. The plan that Wyke and Brad have put together seems very sound to me."

"I've been so emotional since the trade was finalized. My family rewatched Johnny Most's classic broadcast as a family... We listened to his commentary together and had a wonderful dinner together on Wednesday. This is like a dream come true. I even have to pinch myself to believe it."

"The Celtics are not only the most successful basketball team in the United States, but also the greatest sports club in the world. They are the team with the most championships in American history, with a profound foundation and unlimited potential. I even feel like I got a bargain."

"First and foremost, I'm a fan," Chisholm said. "I bleed green and I'm ready for the challenge."