BREAKING: The Boston Celtics have officially transitioned to new ownership, with Bill Chisholm pledging to do “whatever it takes” to secure championships for the storied franchise. In a press conference today, Chisholm emphasized his commitment to maintaining the success established by the previous ownership group, which celebrated two NBA titles during their 23-year tenure.
Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and private equity mogul, leads a group that purchased the Celtics for a record-breaking $6.1 billion, a deal unanimously approved by the NBA last month. “Let’s do whatever we can to win championships and raise banners,” he declared, flanked by former lead owner Wyc Grousbeck and key executives including President Rich Gotham and President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens.
The new owner, reflecting on his lifelong passion for the Celtics, stated, “The Celtics have brought me joy my entire life. This was an opportunity that was a dream that came true.” Chisholm’s enthusiasm for the team signals a fresh era as he aims to expand the franchise’s legacy.
Grousbeck, who has overseen the Celtics since 2002 when the team was bought for just $360 million, will remain involved as CEO for the next five years. He expressed his desire for further championships, stating, “I want a third ring. And then I want a fourth ring.”
While the majority of the previous ownership group will stay on board, Chisholm is clear about his leadership role. “There’s a governor, and the governor has the final say, and that’s me,” he asserted, ensuring that he will steer the team towards success.
In addition to basketball ambitions, Chisholm is also exploring the possibility of bringing a WNBA team to Boston, as discussions continue regarding the sale of the Connecticut Sun. He expressed his commitment to expediting this process, emphasizing the importance of expanding women’s sports in the city.
Chisholm also confirmed that the Celtics will continue to play at TD Garden, a beloved venue for players and fans alike. “I really like the Boston Garden, personally. More importantly, the team and the players really like the Boston Garden,” he noted.
The Celtics face challenges in the upcoming season, particularly with Jayson Tatum recovering from a serious injury. Tatum suffered a ruptured right Achilles tendon during the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks, complicating the team’s title defense efforts. To navigate the salary cap, the Celtics recently traded key players including Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Grousbeck stated these decisions were necessary regardless of the ownership change.
Despite these hurdles, Chisholm remains optimistic about the future. “Let’s go for it, but let’s do it in a reasonable way,” he said, signaling a strategic approach to building a championship-caliber team.
As the Celtics embark on this new chapter, fans are eager to see how Chisholm’s leadership will impact their beloved team. The urgency to reclaim their championship status is palpable, making this a pivotal moment in Celtics history.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Celtics prepare for the upcoming season under new ownership.
