The Boston Celtics are officially the new heavyweight champs of the sports team sale world, racking up a jaw-dropping $6.1 billion price tag. Yep, you read that right. In a deal that has bewildered fans and financial gurus alike, private equity whiz kid William Chisholm is set to buy the legendary franchise, previously owned by the Grousbeck family since 2002.

This sale isn’t just a record; it’s a headline-stealing event that kicks the previous record of $6.05 billion for the NFL’s Washington Commanders right to the curb. If approved by the NBA’s board of governors, Chisholm’s buy will solidify the Celtics’ status as the most expensive franchise in American sports history.

Chisholm, who has roots in Massachusetts (because where else would a die-hard Celtics fan come from, right?), is the managing partner of California-based Symphony Technology Group and is embarking on this lavish journey backed by local business legends Rob Hale and Bruce Beal Jr. His statement declared that he understands the unrivaled significance of the Celtics to Boston, and we can hear that cringe-inducing sincerity.

But as the thrill of a new era brews, there’s also some continuity. Wyc Grousbeck plans to stay on as CEO for three more seasons, providing a familiar anchor for an organization that has celebrated its 18th NBA title just last summer. Those trophies mean something to Boston fans, and it’s clear Grousbeck recognizes the challenge ahead for Chisholm.

Chisholm’s acquisition will be structured in two parts, allowing him to take control of 51% of the team while the previous owners hold out for an even sweeter deal until 2028. The estimated worth of the Celtics could skyrocket to $7.3 billion by that time! Just imagine the fireworks!

While the Celtics’ historic legacy continues to glow with the likes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at the helm, fans are itching to see how this boundary-breaking sale will unfold. Will Chisholm’s ownership translate to more banners hanging in the rafters of TD Garden? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, it’s game on for the Celtics and their fans as they embark on this new chapter. Cheers to high stakes in the world of sports!