After finalizing the record $6.1 billion purchase of the Boston Celtics, new lead owner and governor Bill Chisholm laid out his priorities and approach to leadership during an introductory press conference Thursday at the Auerbach Center.
Chisholm was joined by co-owner Aditya Mittal, CEO Wyc Grousbeck, president Rich Gotham, and president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. He stressed that his role will be to provide support while allowing basketball operations to remain in steady hands.
βIβm a huge fan first of all. So Iβm so excited to be there, to have the best seat in the house, frankly,β Chisholm said. βI will absolutely be there. I will do whatever it takes β whatever the Boston Celtics need me to do. If they need me to be doing press conferences every day, Iβll do them. If they need me to stay out of the way, Iβll do that.β
Ownership Philosophy and Approach
Chisholm described himself as consensus-driven, noting that while he intends to empower Stevens and other leaders, he ultimately holds the final word on the franchiseβs direction.
βMy approach to leadership and the way that Iβve approached that all my life is through consensus. We have a great team,β Chisholm said. βAt the end of the day, Iβm accountable. There is a governor and the governor has final say β and thatβs me.β
He also acknowledged the pitfalls that can come with new ownership transitions.
βItβs being self-aware in terms of what your strengths and weaknesses are and surrounding yourself with the best people,β Chisholm said. βThose basketball decisions, Brad is driving that for sure.β
Chisholm added that he has already received advice from peers around the league about avoiding the so-called βnew owner curse,β where inexperience or overreach leads to instability. His focus, he said, will be patience, humility, and empowering the right people in the organization.
Navigating Roster Turnover and Financial Realities
The Celticsβ offseason was defined by significant roster changes as the team sought to move under the NBAβs new second-apron restrictions. Boston traded away starters Jrue Holiday and Kristaps PorziΕΔ£is and parted with veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet.
Chisholm admitted the decisions were painful but necessary to preserve long-term flexibility.
βAs a fan, I get it β those hurt,β he said. βBut weβre playing for flexibility. β¦ If we were in this situation back then, we couldnβt have gotten players like Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps PorziΕΔ£is. So thatβs what weβre preserving.β
Grousbeck, who played a key role in negotiating the new collective bargaining agreement, reinforced that these kinds of moves were unavoidable.
βThis type of move would have happened whether or not the team was sold,β Grousbeck said. βTeams have to compete on a basically even financial keel no matter who owns them β the best front office, best luck, best players win, not just whoβs got the most money.β
Boston now sits nearly $8 million under the second apron but remains more than $12 million over the luxury-tax line. Stevens added that while the team is not under a mandate to shed more payroll, it will continue to evaluate its roster.
βWeβre looking at it from the standpoint of letβs see what this team looks like,β Stevens said. βLetβs put our very best foot forward, let Joe, his staff, and the players all work to maximize ourselves with an attitude of no ceilings and no limitations.β
Commitment To TD Garden And Fan Experience
Another question facing Chisholmβs tenure is whether the Celtics will eventually pursue their own arena. The franchiseβs current lease at TD Garden runs through 2036, but speculation has persisted that a new owner could explore a basketball-specific venue.
Chisholm said he is open to evaluating options but made clear he values TD Gardenβs history and the shared partnership with the Bruins.
βThe first thing is, I really like the Boston Garden, personally,β Chisholm said. βThe team and the players really like the Boston Garden, and even equally importantly, the fans really like the Boston Garden. β¦ We are 100 percent committed to creating the best fan experience possible. And weβll take a look at it.β
He added that any potential changes would be carefully weighed against the tradition and identity of the Celticsβ current home.
Interest In Bringing WNBA To Boston
Beyond the NBA, Chisholm said he believes Boston should eventually host a WNBA franchise. Massachusetts governor Maura Healey has already expressed support for such an expansion.
βBoston should have a team. Itβs the best sports city in the country and the birthplace of basketball,β Chisholm said. βWeβre going to do what we can to expedite things, but there is a process there. Philosophically, it makes sense.β
ESPN previously reported that the WNBA views Chisholm as a preferred potential owner for a Boston-based franchise if the league expands further. While no formal plans are in place, Chisholm signaled he is open to working with the league when the opportunity arises.
Defining Success By Championships
Throughout the press conference, Chisholm underscored that the measure of his leadership will not be financial gains or short-term wins, but banners raised inside TD Garden.
βMy goal and my high-level direction to Brad and the team is letβs do whatever we can to win championships,β Chisholm said. βNot just win games β win championships.β
Even with Jayson Tatum sidelined to start the season and the roster facing turnover, Chisholm insisted the Celtics would remain competitive and embrace an underdog mentality.
βIβm not going to put a ceiling on the team,β Chisholm said. βWeβve got a lot of talent and some very strong character people. I think this team has the potential to be pretty special.β
