Todd Boehly sells Chelsea stake as Clearlake Capital takes full control

Todd Boehly and fellow co-owner Mark Walter have sold their stakes in Chelsea, handing full control of the Premier League club to Clearlake Capital.

Clearlake, led by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, previously held a 61.5% share in Chelsea. Boehly and Walter each owned 12.83%, while Swiss philanthropist Hans Jorg Wyss also holds a 12.83% stake and will remain part of the ownership group.

The change marks a major restructuring of the consortium that bought Chelsea from former owner Roman Abramovich for £2.5bn ($3.3bn) in 2022. The group also committed a further £1.75bn ($2.3bn) to investment in the club.

Boehly had been one of the most prominent figures associated with Chelsea’s ownership since the takeover and had served as chairman.

Chelsea said he had demonstrated “unwavering commitment” to the ownership group’s belief that supporters are at the heart of the club.

In a farewell statement, Boehly thanked those involved in the transition of ownership and said he believed Chelsea was well placed for the future.

Boehly and Walter set to receive £950m

The Financial Times reported that Boehly and Walter will receive £950m ($1.3bn) for their combined stake.

The transaction values Chelsea at about £5bn ($6.7bn), including debt. That represents a significant increase on the £2.5bn purchase price from four years ago.

Clearlake’s move to increase its control follows a period of reported tension between the members of the ownership group.

Reports in 2024 indicated that the two sides had considered buying each other out, paving the way for the restructuring that has now been completed.

Walter continues to reshape business interests

Walter has also been restructuring his wider business portfolio.

He acquired the Lakers 14 months earlier and is under federal investigation in relation to insurance companies he owns.

Walter remains the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.