How Bill Chisholm shocked even partners at his own firm with Boston Celtics bid — as speculation swirls over whether he can pay

Bill Chisholm recently surprised his partners at Symphony Technology Group by announcing his intention to purchase the Boston Celtics, a move that raised eyebrows due to the hefty price tag involved.

Despite initial concerns about funding such a significant acquisition, Chisholm reassured his partners that he had secured the necessary capital from a group of wealthy individuals and another private equity firm, even though most of the funds were not solely his.

While Chisholm managed to convince his colleagues at Symphony, doubts still linger in the broader sports and financial communities. The NBA’s stringent rules for team ownership, which require a substantial cash investment, raise questions about Chisholm’s ability to meet the league’s financial criteria.

Notably, Chisholm’s lack of visibility in the sports and financial sectors, coupled with his California residence and non-season ticket holder status, further fuel skepticism about his bid.

Despite these uncertainties, Chisholm’s supporters maintain that he has the financial means to complete the acquisition, with sources indicating a net worth of nearly $4 billion and plans to meet the league’s cash requirements.

Chisholm’s bid, which reportedly outperformed offers from prominent sports business figures, was facilitated by his collaboration with financial heavyweights like Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan.

Amidst the speculation surrounding Chisholm’s bid, insiders emphasize the credibility of his financial backing and dismiss unfounded rumors as attempts to undermine his legitimate offer.