The Boston Celtics, NBA champions in 2024, are preparing to change ownership for $6.1 billion (€5.63 billion), a record transaction for an American franchise, the Boston Globe reported Thursday.

The sale still needs to be approved by the NBA's board of directors, which includes franchise owners.

The amount exceeds the $6.05 billion purchase of the Washington Commanders NFL franchise in 2023.

The new owner, William Chisholm, a Massachusetts native and longtime Celtics fan, is the co-founder and managing director of Symphony Technology, a California-based private equity firm, according to the Boston Globe.

The Boston Celtics were put up for sale in July 2024, two weeks after winning their 18th NBA title.

The Grousbeck family bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million (around €335 million).

The new investor group also includes current Boston franchise co-owner Robert Hale, Related Companies chairman Bruce Beal Jr., and investment firm Sixth Street, according to the Boston Globe.

Jayson Tatum's Boston Celtics won their 18th title in 2024, 16 years after their previous title. They thus became the sole winner of the NBA, one ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Their qualification for the current season's play-offs, which begin in mid-April, is already assured.