The Boston Celtics have a new leadership group, and fans are hoping there is not too much change.
As their quest for back-to-back championships continues, the Boston Celtics are dealing with a major turn of event behind the scenes with regards to their ownership.
Wyc Grousbeck, the team’s majority owner since 2002, has finally sold the team to tech Mogul William Chisholm. Grousbeck will still retain his CEO duties for the next three years out of Chisholm’s request, earning a huge applause from Celtics fan Bill Simmons.
With a reported $6.1 billion in value, this marks the most lucrative purchase for a North American sports franchise. It also surpassed Mat Ishbia’s $4-billion successful bid of the Phoenix Suns two years ago in NBA record books.
Jayson Tatum comments on new Celtics leadership
Star player Jayson Tatum is the the cornerstone of the Boston franchise. From what he has learned, Tatum is pretty much optimistic about Chisholm taking over the Celtics.
He says he held talks with Wyc Grousbeck through the process, being kept abreast of the developments.
Tatum is optimistic that the new ownership behind Chisholm will do what’s necessary for the Celtics’ benefit.
“I talked to Wyc a few times. He’s still going to be around. He was just kind of keeping me updated and saying whoever it is, the next group, they will be great for the organization,” Tatum said.
“I told Wyc I trust him whoever is the next. And I have no doubt things will continue to run smoothly.”
Tatum confident and optimistic
Besides keeping the NBA championship in the city of Boston following their 18th title victory from last year, Chisholm will have major decisions to make about the team’s skyrocketing payroll.
The franchise is projected to pay $445 million in salary and luxury tax penalties for the next 2025-26 season, marking the largest payroll in league history. One major part of this massive bill is a key role player, who will occupy a mind-boggling $90 million according to an ESPN expert, if they decide to retain him.
Tatum admits he knows what is publicly available about Chisholm, rather than having any inside track at this early stage.
“I mean, just everything you all heard,” Tatum told NBC, when asked about what makes him encouraged in Chisholm being their new team governor.
“Grew up around the area, big Boston fan, is proud of what we’ve accomplished and understands what the Celtics mean to the city and to the NBA.”
