Clearlake Capital Buys Out Boehly and Walter to Own Chelsea Outright
Chelsea confirmed on Wednesday night that Clearlake Capital Group has bought the ownership stakes held by Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, giving the private equity firm full control of the Premier League club, the Guardian reported.
Todd Boehly, who has served as Chelsea's chairman since 2022, steps down from that role as part of the deal.
Clearlake had already held 61.5% of the club before the sale. Boehly and Mark Walter had split the remaining shares with a third investor, Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, who Chelsea said will stay on as a stakeholder and partner in the ownership group.
How the Ownership Split Changes
The four men bought Chelsea together from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, after the UK government forced the Russian owner to sell the club. That sale was reported at £4.25 billion.
Boehly, Walter and Wyss each took a 12.8% share alongside Clearlake's majority stake. Wednesday's deal removes Boehly and Walter entirely, leaving Clearlake in sole control with Wyss remaining as a minority partner.
What the Deal Is Worth
Media reports cited by globalbankingandfinance.com, a Reuters report published through the finance outlet, put the transaction at roughly £950 million, or $1.27 billion. That figure covers only the minority stakes being sold.
The wider club valuation, including debt, sits at around £5 billion. That is only a modest gain on the ownership group's original 2022 outlay.
Why Boehly Is Stepping Aside
Chelsea's statement described Boehly's commitment to the club's supporters as strong and pointed to investment made across the men's and women's squads, the Cobham training base, medical support and academy pathways during his tenure.
Boehly said it had been an honour to serve as chairman, thanking the Premier League, Chelsea's coaches, players, staff and fans.
He added that he had valued his partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and said he was confident Chelsea was well positioned for continued success under Clearlake's leadership.
Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano thanked Boehly for his contribution as chairman and said he would always be part of the Chelsea story.
They said Clearlake's focus now is on continuing to invest in the club's infrastructure, sporting performance and player development.
No Change Expected on the Pitch
Chelsea said there will be no changes to day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy at the club as a result of the ownership switch. Manager Xabi Alonso remains in charge of the first team.
Chelsea sit sixth in the Premier League after two wins, one draw and one defeat from their opening matches this season, according to globalbankingandfinance.com's Reuters report. Boehly is also a co-owner of Major League Baseball's Los Angeles Dodgers.