How nearly 400 readers reacted to new Celtics owner Bill Chisholm
“I was more comfortable with the idea of Steve Pagliuca."
The Celtics have a new owner and Boston.com readers are unsure how to feel about it.
William Chisholm is reportedly purchasing the team for $6.1 billion. It’s the highest sum paid for a sports team in North American sports history. The private equity executive and Mass. native will work with longtime Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck during the transition period.
Following the Globe’s report on Thursday, we asked readers for their reactions. Nearly 400 weighed in, a majority of whom are still uncertain about how to feel — 53% readers don’t yet know if Chisholm will be a good fit, 33% are excited for the new owner, and 14% are not in favor.
Ahead see a sampling of readers reacting to the new Celtics owner Bill Chisholm.
I don’t know yet
“I don’t know anything about the new owner. Basically I don’t want the Celtics to become like the Red Sox.” – Manolis, Salem
“The term private equity makes me concerned about already high ticket prices. I’m a life long fan and have been going to games since childhood. Winning has its price, so I haven’t been to a game this year.” – EB, Union Square
“I was more comfortable with the idea of Steve Pagliuca and his group owning the Celtics because I don’t think he would allow the bottom line to dictate the basketball decisions, which traditionally has been the case under the Grousbeck family. I also believe Pagliuca is more likely to have continued the extraordinary culture established by Walter Brown, Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and re-established and sustained under Wyc Grousbeck, Brad Stevens and Danny Ainge the last 12+ years.” – Vincent L, Quincy
“I don’t know anything about the new owner… but let’s hope that in his quest to make it a good investment, we win a few more chips!” – Clarke, Falmouth
“It is a positive sign that he is a Massachusetts native and, reportedly, a lifelong Celtics fan, but as the owner of a private equity firm, the bottom line has to be important to him.” – Alan M., Greenfield
“I am nervous they will not have the same philosophy of pursuing championships and will cut salary to make a profit.” – John R., Plymouth
Good!
“It was going to be sold anyway. Better to a person who seems to love basketball and the team.” – Mark S., Scarborough, Maine
“I grew up in Gtown, Celts are in good hands!!” – Al, Topsfield
“The new ownership is local and likely to be concerned with winning not just as an investment like the Henry Sox investment “ – Christopher C., Malden
“It really would be super awesome if William could help out our town somehow – with the big budget deficit – or with our sports programs in the town. If I made it, I would definitely want to give back to this town.” – Patricia B., Georgetown
“Why not. The new owner is a local guy and loves the Celtics. He may move the team to a new facility.” – Robert P., Chestnut Hill
Nope, not a fan
“Private Equity is ruining so many aspects of life in the US. Veterinary care, dental, insurance, retail, healthcare, housing, farming. And I’m supposed to trust a PE firm founder to be a good team owner? He’ll tank this team and say it’s for ‘efficiency’ or ‘optimization.’ Really disappointed. I don’t care if he’s a local or a diehard fan – if the new owner is associated with private equity, it won’t be good for this organization.” – Amanda, Medford
“The old owner was very good and just took us to a championship.” – Jack, Groveland
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