In a historic shift for one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, the Boston Celtics have been sold for a staggering $6.1 billion — the highest price ever paid for a sports franchise in North America.
The deal, finalized late Tuesday night, marks a monumental moment not only for the Celtics but for the broader landscape of professional sports ownership. It surpasses the previous North American record set in 2023, when the Washington Commanders of the NFL sold for $6.05 billion.
The buyer, a consortium led by tech billionaire and longtime basketball enthusiast David Colburn, includes global investment firms, former athletes, and entertainment figures. According to sources close to the deal, the new ownership group is committed to keeping the franchise in Boston while ushering in a new era of innovation, branding, and competitive excellence.
The sale ends the long-running tenure of Boston Basketball Partners LLC, the investment group that purchased the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million. Under their stewardship, the Celtics won the 2008 NBA Championship and made multiple deep playoff runs, including NBA Finals appearances in 2010 and 2022.
A Historic Franchise
Founded in 1946, the Boston Celtics are one of the original pillars of the NBA. With 18 championships — tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history — the Celtics have long been synonymous with excellence. Legends like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and current star Jayson Tatum have cemented the team’s iconic status.
In recent years, the Celtics have been at the center of a financial and competitive balancing act. After building a top-heavy roster and flirting with the league’s punitive second apron tax rules, ownership had been signaling a shift in direction. That pivot — combined with sky-high franchise valuations and mounting pressure from minority stakeholders — ultimately led to the decision to sell.
Why Now?
Multiple factors contributed to the timing of the sale.
The NBA’s recent media rights projections, which could bring in more than $75 billion over the next decade, have sent franchise valuations soaring. Additionally, the league’s global expansion, growth in streaming markets, and rising fan engagement across international territories have made NBA teams some of the most attractive investment assets in sports.
Boston, with its rich legacy, global fanbase, and championship pedigree, was particularly appealing to investors.
“This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” Colburn said in a statement. “The Celtics aren’t just a basketball team — they’re a global institution. We’re honored to steward this legacy into the future, while pushing the boundaries of what a modern sports franchise can be.”
The deal includes full ownership of the team, operating rights to TD Garden (shared with the NHL’s Bruins), and several affiliated media and marketing subsidiaries. While the NBA Board of Governors must formally approve the sale — a standard procedure — approval is widely expected within the next 30-45 days.
What It Means for the Team
On the court, the Celtics are still positioned as one of the Eastern Conference’s premier teams. Despite star forward Jayson Tatum being sidelined for the 2025–26 season due to injury, Boston remains competitive behind Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and a retooled roster focused on youth and flexibility.
The new ownership group has not announced any sweeping changes to the front office or coaching staff. Brad Stevens, the team’s President of Basketball Operations, is expected to stay in his role. Head coach Joe Mazzulla, who led the Celtics to 64 wins last season, also appears secure for now.
However, the new ownership has already hinted at plans to expand the team’s global brand, invest in new fan experiences, and modernize operations through data science and technology.
“Our goal is to respect the past but also embrace the future,” Colburn said. “Whether it’s in the arena, on your phone, or halfway across the world, we want the Celtics experience to be unforgettable.”
A New Era for the NBA
The sale of the Celtics could serve as a new benchmark for the NBA. With multiple teams reportedly exploring potential sales or minority investment opportunities — including the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves — the $6.1 billion figure will likely reshape future valuations.
Commissioner Adam Silver praised the transition, calling it “a reflection of the extraordinary value and cultural importance of NBA franchises today.”
As the Celtics prepare to begin a new chapter under new ownership, fans can expect both continuity and change. The parquet floor at TD Garden will remain the same. The green and white uniforms will still evoke decades of glory. But behind the scenes, a new vision is emerging — one driven by modern leadership, global ambition, and a belief that Boston’s best days may still lie ahead.
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