In a historic move that has shaken the world of professional sports, William Chisholm, a private equity veteran known for flying under the radar, has emerged as the leader of the investor group set to purchase the Boston Celtics. The deal, reportedly worth $6.1 billion, is poised to become the largest sale in American sports history—pending approval by the NBA Board of Governors this summer.
While Chisholm himself is now thrust into the spotlight, many are curious about his background, how he made his fortune, and the family supporting him behind the scenes—including his wife, Kimberly Chisholm, and their three children.
A Lifelong Celtics Fan From Boston’s North Shore
William Chisholm, now 56 years old, grew up in the North Shore region of Massachusetts, where he developed a lifelong love for the Boston Celtics. In the official announcement of the acquisition, Chisholm stated,
“I understand how important the Celtics are to the city of Boston — the role the team plays in the community is different than any other city in the country.”
His emotional connection to the franchise goes far beyond business strategy. This is more than just a financial transaction—it’s a personal homecoming for a man who once cheered from the bleachers and is now taking a seat in the owner’s box.
Academic Roots: From Dartmouth to Wharton
Chisholm’s journey from die-hard fan to potential NBA franchise owner began with a strong academic foundation. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, before moving on to earn his MBA in strategic management from the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1996.
His Ivy League education laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually intersect with some of the biggest names in tech, finance, and private equity.
How William Chisholm Built His Billion-Dollar Empire
The bulk of Chisholm’s wealth comes from his success in the tech investment space. In 2002, he co-founded Symphony Technology Group (STG) in Menlo Park, California, a private equity firm focused on software, data, and analytics companies. Chisholm currently serves as Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer.
Under his leadership, STG has flourished. As of 2023, the firm has raised nearly $10 billion across multiple investment funds and completed over 100 acquisitions. Notably, Chisholm oversaw the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, creating the major cybersecurity company Trellix in 2022. STG also acquired Momentive, the parent company of SurveyMonkey, further expanding its portfolio in enterprise solutions.
In 2023, STG closed its seventh and largest private equity fund, raising $4.2 billion—a clear indicator of investor confidence in Chisholm’s strategy and leadership.
Before STG, Chisholm honed his skills with industry heavyweights. He worked at Bain & Company, one of the world’s top consulting firms, as well as PaineWebber, a prominent investment bank. He also co-founded The Valent Group, a risk management consultancy.
Family Life: Meet Kimberly Chisholm
While William Chisholm is leading one of the most high-profile business deals of the decade, he’s not doing it alone. He is married to Kimberly Chisholm, and together, the couple shares three children. Although Kimberly keeps a low public profile, she is known to be active in community-focused philanthropy and supportive of her husband’s business ventures.
The Chisholms currently reside in the Bay Area, close to STG’s headquarters. However, they also maintain a home in Nantucket, Massachusetts—an indication that the family has long kept ties to the East Coast. With the Celtics purchase underway, the couple is expected to buy a new residence in Boston, further solidifying their return to their Massachusetts roots.
Despite the wealth and power they now possess, those close to the family describe the Chisholms as grounded, private, and deeply connected to their community values.
Estimated Net Worth and Business Profile
While William Chisholm’s exact net worth has not been publicly disclosed, analysts estimate it to be in the range of $1.5 to $2 billion, based on his stake in Symphony Technology Group and its portfolio’s valuation. With nearly $10 billion in assets under management and multiple high-value tech exits under his belt, Chisholm ranks among the most successful private equity investors in the United States.
His reputation in Silicon Valley and Wall Street is one of quiet authority. Unlike many billionaire entrepreneurs, Chisholm rarely appears in public interviews or high-profile media events. Instead, he lets his business results speak for themselves.
What the Celtics Deal Means for Boston and the NBA
Should the NBA approve the transaction, Chisholm would lead a new era of Celtics ownership during a time of historic franchise valuation and increased global interest in the NBA. The $6.1 billion sale price is not just a testament to the Celtics’ legacy—it’s a marker of how valuable sports franchises have become in the modern economy.
Chisholm has made it clear that his approach will prioritize both business excellence and community engagement. Expect to see investments not only in the team’s roster and operations but also in Boston-area community programs, fan experiences, and sports development initiatives.
Final Thoughts
From working-class roots in Massachusetts to leading a tech investment empire in Silicon Valley, William Chisholm’s journey is one of discipline, intellect, and unwavering passion for his hometown team. Alongside his wife Kimberly and their children, Chisholm now stands ready to help guide the Celtics into a new chapter—one that blends business acumen with the heart of a lifelong fan.