A change in ownership isn’t common — especially when the team is the defending NBA champion. After stunning the NBA world by purchasing the Boston Celtics for $6.1 billion, Bill Chisholm introduced himself in an unexpected way.
Bill Chisholm Did Not Imagine Ever Buying the Boston Celtics
Chisholm’s purchase will subtly influence the franchise’s direction. Since most Celtics fans knew little about their new governor, it was important for him to set the tone. He did just that — and even made a promise to the fanbase.
When most people start their careers, they hope for financial success. Some set their sights higher. Chisholm might’ve been one of them. Still, even he admitted he never imagined becoming wealthy enough to own an NBA team.
Now, not only does he own a team, but he owns one of the league’s most historic and successful franchises with an NBA-best 18 championships. Celtics fans are riding high after the team’s recent NBA Finals run, and Chisholm’s arrival adds a new chapter to the story.
Chisholm was interviewed after appearing on the court and delivered a heartfelt message to the Celtics’ fanbase.
“Honestly, it is a bit emotional for me. As a kid growing up in New England … I didn’t even know to dream about this. And then to have it happen, it was really emotional,” Chisholm said. “It’s really special and emotional, and I understand what this is about and what it means to the people of Boston because I’m one of them.”
Bill Chisholm while describing to @tvabby what it has been like for him since purchasing the Celtics:
“I understand what this is about and what it means to the people of Boston cause I’m one of them, and I’m gonna do it right.”
🎥: @NBCSCeltics pic.twitter.com/xud9SYLCkx
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) March 25, 2025
Chisholm added, “I’m going to do it right.”
As the team governor, Chisholm will have the final say on big decisions like roster construction and coaching hires. Most importantly, he’ll also be involved in future contract negotiations.
It’s unclear what “doing things right” will look like, but it’s clear Chisholm feels confident the team can sustain its recent success and keep chasing championships. That would only increase the franchise’s value and bring even more pride to its new governor.
Still, winning multiple titles is no easy task. No team has done it since the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Now it’s the Celtics’ turn to prove they’re in that same tier.
This season, the Celtics are 53-19, second in the Eastern Conference, with just 10 games left in their season. After winning the 2024 NBA Finals in five games over the Dallas Mavericks, confidence is sky-high for a team full of playoff-hardened, experienced players like Boston has.
While their massive payroll brings concern for their outlook in 3-4 years, their short-term promise is strong, and Chisholm is in town to help navigate the future.
6 words lol