The Boston Celtics have officially been sold for a staggering $6.1 billion, setting a new record for the highest valuation of a North American sports franchise. The transaction was confirmed by a source familiar with the deal, which involved the Grousbeck family, the team's majority owners since 2002, selling the franchise to William Chisholm, a managing partner at Symphony Technology Group. This sale surpasses the previous record held by the Washington Commanders, who were sold for $6.05 billion in 2023.

The Grousbecks originally purchased the Celtics for $360 million nearly 23 years ago, and they announced their intention to sell for "estate and family planning considerations." The sale structure indicates that the Grousbecks will retain 51% of ownership for now, with plans to sell the remaining shares by 2028. This strategic approach means that the final sale price could potentially reach close to $7 billion, depending on the agreement's terms.

With the Celtics' sale completed and the impending sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves also on the horizon, the NBA is gearing up for expansion talks. The league is exploring the possibility of adding two new teams, which could command valuations of around $5 billion each. This significant financial activity highlights the growing value of NBA franchises and the lucrative landscape of professional sports ownership in North America.