Celtic Nation

The most successful team in NBA history.

The Boston Celtics are an American professional basketball team based in Boston. They compete in the NBA as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. Founded in 1946 as one of the league's original eight teams, the Celtics play their home games at TD Garden. They hold the records for most NBA championships won, with 18, and most recorded wins of any NBA franchise.

Quick Facts

Origin: Founded 1946 as one of the league's original eight teams
Home court: TD Garden (shared with Boston Bruins)
Championships: 18 NBA Championships (most in league history)
Defining era: The Red Auerbach Dynasty (1950s-1960s) and the 2007-2008 Big Three
Rivalry: Los Angeles Lakers (Record 12 Finals meetings, Celtics lead 9-3)

Lore & Background

The Celtics' rise to dominance began in the late 1950s after acquiring Bill Russell in 1956. Led by Russell, Bob Cousy, and Tom Heinsohn, they won their first championship in 1957. They won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966. After Russell became player-coach, they won back-to-back titles in 1968 and 1969. In the mid-1970s, they won championships in 1974 and 1976 under Tom Heinsohn. In the 1980s, anchored by Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish, they won championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. After assembling a new 'Big Three' of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, and Kevin Garnett, they won the 2008 championship. Led by Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, they won the 2024 championship. The team was sold to William Chisholm in May 2025 for $6.1 billion.

Reader's Guide

The Celtics have a notable rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, who are second in NBA history with 17 championships. The teams have played a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning nine times. 41 members of the Basketball Hall of Fame have played for the Celtics. Four Celtics players (Bob Cousy, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, and Larry Bird) have won the NBA Most Valuable Player award; overall, Celtics players have won an NBA-record 10 MVP awards.

Did You Know?

Bill Russell won 11 NBA titles with the Celtics, the most by any NBA player.
The Celtics won eight consecutive championships from 1959 to 1966, the longest streak in U.S. professional sports history.
The team was sold in May 2025 for $6.1 billion, the second-highest valued sports franchise transaction in U.S. history.