Chelsea has entered a dramatic new chapter in ownership, with Todd Boehly and fellow co-owner Mark Walter selling their stakes and handing Clearlake Capital full control of the Premier League club.
Clearlake, led by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, previously held a 61.5% stake in Chelsea, while Boehly and Walter each owned 12.83%.
Swiss philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss, who also holds a 12.83% stake, will remain part of the ownership group.
The move writes a major change for the consortium that bought Chelsea for £2.5 billion ($3.3bn) in 2022, with another £1.75bn ($2.3bn) committed to investment in the club.
Boehly Leaves the Chairman’s Seat
Alongside selling his stake, Todd Boehly will relinquish his position as Chelsea chairman.
The American businessman had been one of the most recognisable figures of the ownership group since the takeover from former owner Roman Abramovich,
...who was sanctioned following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine over alleged ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Chelsea said Boehly had shown “unwavering commitment” to the ownership group’s belief that supporters are at the heart of the club.
In his farewell statement, Boehly thanked those involved in Chelsea’s transition and said he believed the club was positioned for the future.
"It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club," Boehly said in a Chelsea statement.
"I would like to thank the many who helped secure a bright future for the Club, including the English Premier League, the coaches and players, the talented leadership and staff at Chelsea, and the legions of dedicated fans."
"I have valued my partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and the collective decisions and investment we have made to support the immediate and long-term success of the Club."
"I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned for continued success under Clearlake's leadership."
£950m Payday for Boehly and Walter
The Financial Times reported that Boehly and Walter will receive £950 million ($1.3bn) for their combined stake.
The transaction values Chelsea at approximately £5bn ($6.7bn), including debt, representing a significant increase from the £2.5bn purchase price four years ago.
Clearlake’s increased control follows years of reported tension within the ownership group.
Ownership Rift Comes to an End
The relationship between Clearlake and the other investors, particularly Boehly, had reportedly deteriorated in recent years.
Reports indicated that the two sides explored buying each other out in 2024, setting the stage for the eventual restructuring of the ownership.
Boehly’s departure now ends his direct involvement in the club’s ownership and removes him from the chairman’s position.
Walter has also been reshaping his business portfolio.
The American businessman completed the sudden sale of the Los Angeles Lakers last month to venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger at a $12.5bn valuation.
Walter, who had acquired the Lakers only 14 months earlier, is also under federal investigation relating to insurance companies he owns.
He remains the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
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