The Boston Celtics have a new ownership group led by Bill Chisholm. Replacing Wyc Grousbeck, Chisholm will work as the team’s governor. That being said, Grousbeck will continue as the Celtics’ team-owner, alternate governor, and CEO.
Of course, while Chisholm is thrilled to be associated with a legacy franchise like the Celtics, he has another possible goal in mind — bringing a WNBA team to Boston.
Can New Celtics Owner Bill Chisholm Bring a WNBA Franchise to Boston?
Now, while the Celtics have introduced their new leadership group, they could also work on bringing another basketball team to Boston. After all, a WNBA team in the city could be game-changing.
“First of all, I think Boston should have a team,” Chisholm said during the press conference. “Like I said earlier, this is the best sports city in the country, and this is the birthplace of basketball, so we should have a team.”
However, Chisholm is aware that moving a team in the WNBA is a lengthy process.
“It’s definitely something we’re going to look at,” he explained. “And I know the NBA has a process — so we’ll do what we can to expedite things. But there is a process there. But philosophically, it makes so much sense.”
That said, Celtics minority owner Steve Pagliuca previously agreed to purchase the Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan Sun tribe. However, the WNBA blocked the trade, stating that the WNBA’s Board of Governors makes the decisions regarding relocation.
As of now, expansion rights have been awarded to Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. And since no group from Boston seems to have applied for a team, they can’t look to make a purchase just yet.
Chisholm, though, seems to have everything under consideration.
“Celtics’ prospective owner Bill Chisholm has also reached out to the league office and asked that Boston receive strong consideration for a WNBA franchise at the appropriate time,” read an August report by the Boston Globe.
Owning the Celtics Has Been a Dream for Chisholm and His Family
During the press conference, Chisholm also spoke about the Celtics and how it is practically a dream come true for their family.
“While this is a dream come true for me and my family,” Chisolm said, “I realize that with this opportunity comes a tremendous responsibility. My ownership group and I understand that it is, in fact, different here.”
Established in 1946, the Celtics are easily one of the oldest sports franchises today. The sports culture in Boston has continued to evolve, with TD Garden hosting over 19,000 people for a basketball game.
