Surprise departure at the Celtics: historic figure pushed out earlier than expected
Feb 15, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) head coach Joe Mazzulla Governor Wyc Grousbeck and forward Jayson Tatum (0) are honored for their all star selection prior to a game against the Detroit Pistons at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
A major turning point is coming for the Boston Celtics. Wyc Grousbeck, franchise governor since 2002, will not remain at the helm of the team as initially planned. According to ESPN, he will hand over his role as soon as the team’s sale is finalized, expected in the coming days.
BREAKING: Bill Chisholm will technically be the Celtics Governor, he and Wyc Grousbeck plan to run the team together as originally planned. Grousbeck as alternate Governor and CEO, per @ramonashelburne
This is because of a NBA rules change
GREAT NEWS👀 pic.twitter.com/Z9kFX7QpaA
— Playoff BOS (@PlayoffBOS) August 12, 2025
Bill Chisholm takes the reins earlier than expected
The sale of the Celtics for $6.1 billion to Bill Chisholm, announced last March, was initially supposed to allow Grousbeck to maintain his governor position until 2028. However, NBA rules require a governor to hold at least 15% of the franchise’s shares. After the transaction, Grousbeck will hold slightly less than this minimum threshold.
Despite this change, Grousbeck will remain in the organization as CEO and alternate governor until 2028, ensuring continuity in team leadership. Bill Chisholm, co-founder of Symphony Technology Group and Massachusetts native, will assume the role of principal governor. « I’ve been a die-hard Celtics fan my entire life, » Chisholm had stated during the acquisition announcement.
The end of a golden era for the Celtics
The Grousbeck era has marked Celtics history. Since his family purchased the team in 2002 for $360 million, the franchise has won two NBA titles (2008 and 2024) and reached six Eastern Conference finals in the last nine seasons. The legendary trades for Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the drafting of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and the rebuild after Garnett and Paul Pierce’s departures to Brooklyn all occurred under his governance.
For his first steps leading the Celtics, Chisholm has already begun working with president Brad Stevens to reduce the franchise’s payroll. The goal is to get under the NBA’s second luxury tax threshold to avoid heavy financial penalties and recruitment restrictions. This 2025-2026 season appears to be a transition period, particularly with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles tendon injury compromising immediate title ambitions.
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