Yet another American sports team has been sold, setting a new record price in the process.
Bill Chisholm, managing partner at Symphony Technology Group, has agreed to acquire the Boston Celtics from the Grousbeck family for $6.1 billion, according to sources familiar with the deal. This transaction marks the most expensive sale of an American sports franchise to date, exceeding the $6.05 billion paid for the Washington Commanders in 2023. The sale occurs as the Celtics franchise enjoys considerable success, coming off a championship win in 2024-25 and positioned for another strong playoff performance.
This deal continues a trend of rising franchise values in sports. Below is a list of some of the highest franchise purchases in US sports history:
Washington Commanders
Sale price: $6.05 billion
This sale followed a period of controversy and investigations involving former owner Dan Snyder, who was fined $60 million after findings of misconduct were released. The new ownership group was spearheaded by Josh Harris, who also co-owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils. After a challenging 4-13 season in 2023-4, the team improved to a 12-5 record in 2024-25, boosted by the drafting of quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Denver Broncos
Sale price: $4.65 billion
The Walton-Penner group’s purchase of the Broncos in 2022 for $4.65 billion was a record for NFL team sales at the time, surpassing the previous record by over $2 billion. Earlier, Jerry Richardson sold the Carolina Panthers to David Tepper for $2.275 billion in 2018.
Rob Walton’s estimated net worth is $57.9 billion. His cousin, Ann Walton, is married to Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, who also owns the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Rapids.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury
Sale price: $4 billion
This combined sale, approved in February, established a new benchmark for NBA franchise valuations, exceeding the Brooklyn Nets’ sale price in 2019 by more than $1.5 billion. The new owner, Matt Ishbia, is a former Michigan State basketball player and part of their 2000 national championship team.
New York Mets
Sale price: $2.4 billion
The Mets previously held the record for the most expensive team sale in American sports until the Broncos’ acquisition. In 2020, hedge fund manager Steve Cohen acquired the Mets for $2.4 billion. Before that, the Los Angeles Dodgers held the MLB record, selling for $2 billion in 2012.
Cohen is the founder of Point 72 Asset Management and the now-defunct SAC Capital Advisors.
Brooklyn Nets
Sale price: $2.35 billion
In 2019, Alibaba co-founder Joe Tsai bought the Nets for $2.35 billion from Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Tsai had already acquired a 49% stake in 2018 but accelerated his plan for full ownership. Along with the Nets, Tsai also purchased Barclays Center, the team’s arena, for approximately $1 billion in a separate deal.
Tsai’s sports team ownership extends to the WNBA, as he also owns the New York Liberty franchise, acquired in January 2019.
Carolina Panthers
Sale price: $2.275 billion
The Panthers were put up for sale after the 2017 NFL season following accusations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct against Jerry Richardson. David Tepper, with an estimated net worth of $16.7 billion, purchased the team for $2.275 billion. Prior to owning the Panthers, Tepper held a 5% stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tepper also invested $325 million in 2019 to establish Charlotte FC, the 30th MLS team.
Houston Rockets
Sale price: $2.2 billion
Former Rockets owner Leslie Alexander sold the team to Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta for $2.2 billion in 2019. Fertitta, a Houston native, was a regular attendee at Rockets games before purchasing the franchise.
Fertitta is the sole owner of Fertitta Entertainment, which includes Landry’s restaurants, Golden Nugget Casinos and Hotels, and the Rockets. He also hosts a TV show on CNBC called ‘Million Dollar Buyer.’
