The Boston Celtics, the NBA’s most decorated franchise, have entered a new era… on paper, at least.
With private equity mogul Bill Chisholm officially assuming the role of owner and governor following a record-setting $6.1 billion acquisition, the team’s leadership structure has shifted. But according to Chisholm, the mission remains unchanged: championships or bust.
“We’re not playing for second, we’re playing for championships and banners,” Chisholm declared in an interview with The Boston Globe, setting the tone for his tenure.
Chisholm’s arrival marks the end of Wyc Grousbeck’s two-decade run as majority owner, a stretch that saw two NBA titles and consistent playoff appearances. Grousbeck will remain deeply involved as alternate governor and CEO, working alongside Chisholm to guide day-to-day operations.
Rather than overhaul the front office, Chisholm has doubled down on the existing leadership core: Brad Stevens (President of Basketball Operations), Rich Gotham (Team President), and Joe Mazzulla (Head Coach). He called them “the best leaders in the league,” underscoring his belief that championship culture is built on continuity and competence, not just capital.
The Celtics’ offseason has been defined by financial recalibration. With the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement introducing harsh penalties for teams exceeding the second luxury tax apron, Boston made difficult decisions, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis, and letting veterans walk, to stay under the threshold.
Chisholm acknowledged the constraints but framed them as a challenge, not a roadblock.
“You can’t do it by just throwing money at the problem,” he said. “You have to do it with talent, you have to do it with leadership.”
With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles injury, some analysts have labeled the upcoming season a “gap year.” But Chisholm isn’t buying into lowered expectations. He believes a core built around Jaylen Brown and Derrick White can still surprise, and he’s focused on building a sustainable contender for the years ahead.
