When news broke that the Celtics would be sold to Bill Chisholm last week, little was known about the incoming new owner. Turns out, one of the investors in his ownership group hadn’t heard of him ahead of time, either.
Despite that, current C’s co-owner Rob Hale praised Chisholm following the team sale after getting to know him. Hale told Forbes in a recent article that he was introduced to Chisholm through bankers who went through an “extensive search” for prospective buyers. And in that process, Hale got to know Chisholm.
“I met with Bill dozens of times,” Hale told Forbes. “I had a very high-level confidence in Bill and immediately hit it off with him. As soon as you meet him, he comes across as a really nice guy, accomplished, modest. He immediately came across as an ethical, compassionate, focused leader.”
Hale told Forbes that he’s increasing his stake in the Celtics, though declined to get into specifics. Hale is one of a few known names as part of this new ownership group, including Bruce A. Beal Jr. and Sixth Street, a global investment firm. Chisholm was awarded the bid last week as the Celtics were sold for a record $6.1 billion.
Chisholm is still looking for more investors in the sale even after it’s been finalized. While Chisholm’s offer is reportedly not fully financed yet, he still has a few more months to do so. The bid needs to be approved by the NBA Board of Governors, which won’t be until June, affording Chisholm time for more investors.
Current co-owner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck will remain in his role until 2028, when the sale is fully finalized. Before then, Chisholm and his group will take a controlling stake this summer after the deal is approved. There are still plenty of factors going forward, but thus far, it’s clear Chisholm has a lot of love for his hometown team.
“Growing up on the North Shore and attending college in New England, I have been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life,” Chisholm said in a statement. “I understand how important the Celtics are to the city of Boston — the role the team plays in the community is different than any other city in the country. I also understand that there is a responsibility as a leader of the organization to the people of Boston, and I am up for this challenge.”
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