Most unexpectedly, the defending champs from Boston had an ownership change mid-season. Well, it’s not even mid-season. It’s right before the postseason. A slight tussle in the front office could affect the Celtics’ dream run. However, Wyc Grousbeck pulled off one of the smoothest franchise sales in recent times. At the same time, leaving a legacy franchise after two decades of governing might be hard on Grousbeck.

Wyc will remain the Governor of the Boston Celtics franchise until the 2027-28 season, despite selling the ownership stake. That truly reflects his attachment to and respect for the franchise, as the former owner clearly stated that the Celtics team was bigger than him in his recent interview with NBC Sports. He also revealed that the ownership group and the partners went through a vigorous process to elect their next lead owner. 

And after careful scrutiny, less-known Boston-based entrepreneur Bill Chisholm came in as the front-runner. Moreover, Grousbeck didn’t spend this time only selecting the owner but also kept his players secured. And for all of his efforts, Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum made sure that the Grousbeck family were always remembered in the team’s long history.

During tonight’s game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center, NBC announcer Abby Chin narrated Coach Mazzulla’s noble work at the pregame. She said, “Joe Mazzulla, pre-game made sure not to overlook the work of the Celtics’ ownership group led by Wyc Grousbeck, as you see their success, 17 playoff trips in 18 seasons, bringing home banner number 17 and 18.” 

Especially, Mazzulla took over the Celt’s coaching duty and was instrumental in raising the 18th banner. And, of course, working under new ownership after the championship run can come off as a shocker. But Wyc Grousbeck made sure that the players and staff didn’t face the heat. Shams Charania reported it as the biggest franchise sale in North America, but there’s something more catchy than the valuation of the sale ($6.1 billion). Let’s hear Jayson Tatum reaction from the man of the moment himself.

Jayson Tatum opens up on the ownership change

Speaking at the interview, Wyc Grousbeck revealed his meeting with Jayson Tatum following the sale. He said, “Jayson Tatum literally looked at me and said, ‘I trust you Wyc. Got it.’ And I don’t you know I think and with good reason, hopefully, that he trusts me, so everything’s good.” 

Moreover, Big Deuce certainly wasn’t kept in the dark during the process of the sale. Importantly, Wyc took the NBA world by surprise when the team was up for sale weeks after winning the 2024 championship. Since then, the star forward received all the necessary updates regarding the sale.

Abby Chin also brushed upon Jayson Tatum’s take on the ownership change, saying, ” I had a chance to speak with Jayson Tatum this morning at shoot around. He told me he had the ultimate trust in Wyc and his judgment. He said Wyc has kept in the loop every step of the process. Wyc told him whoever does take over will put the team first. And that’s exactly what Celtics believe.” 

Above all, Chin concluded by saying, “Both Jayson and Al Horford are encouraged by what they have learned.” This implied only one thing: the Celtics fold isn’t panicking. And well, that was crystal clear as the team went on to dominate the Utah Jazz with a 121-99 win, riding on a four-game winning streak. Seems like even the rest of the team is taking the front office reshuffle in its stead!