Chelsea Football Club has announced a major transition in its ownership structure, with affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. set to acquire the ownership interests held by Todd Boehly and Mark Walter.
The transaction will give Clearlake full control of the Premier League club, while Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner within the ownership group.
Boehly and Clearlake joined forces in 2022 to lead the acquisition of Chelsea, taking over the club during a period of significant uncertainty surrounding its ownership.
During their joint ownership, the group invested substantially in Chelsea’s men’s, women’s and youth teams, as well as the club’s Cobham training facilities, medical and player-support resources, Academy development programmes and sporting and business operations.
Boehly will now step down from his position as Chelsea chairman as the club enters what has been described as its next phase of development.
Reflecting on his departure, Boehly said it had been an honour to serve as chairman and thanked the Premier League, Chelsea’s coaches and players, staff, leadership and supporters for their contributions.
He also expressed confidence in the club’s future under Clearlake’s leadership, while acknowledging the partnership and collective investment decisions made during their period of joint ownership.
Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano thanked Boehly for his contribution, describing him as an important partner in the ownership of Chelsea since 2022.
They said Clearlake’s focus under full control would remain on investment in the club’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and long-term ambitions.
Despite the ownership transition, Chelsea said there would be no changes to the club’s day-to-day operations, leadership or strategic direction.
Evercore is acting as lead financial adviser on the transaction, while The Raine Group, BDT&MSD Partners and BofA Securities are advising Clearlake.
Sidley Austin LLP is serving as legal adviser to Clearlake and Chelsea, while Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Latham & Watkins LLP are advising the sellers. Macfarlanes LLP is advising Hansjörg Wyss.
