Clearlake Capital seizes full Chelsea ownership as Boehly and Walter sell their stakes

Clearlake Capital has taken sole ownership of Chelsea after co-investors Todd Boehly and Mark Walter sold their stakes in the Premier League club, the Blues confirmed in a statement released late on Wednesday evening. Boehly, who had served as chairman since the consortium’s takeover in May 2022, departs the role as part of the transition, while fellow investor Hansjorg Wyss will remain a stakeholder.

The three American and Swiss billionaires had joined forces with Clearlake to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich in a UK government-mandated sale three years ago. Prior to this deal, Clearlake already held 61.5 per cent of the club, with Boehly, Walter, and Wyss sharing the remaining interest.

The club’s official statement acknowledged Boehly’s “unwavering commitment” to the ownership group’s ethos of placing supporters at the heart of the club. It added that under joint ownership, “substantial investment has been made across the men’s and women’s senior and youth squads, Chelsea’s training facilities at Cobham, medical and player-support resources, Academy development and pathways, and the sporting and business leadership of the club.”

Boehly said in a statement: “It has been an honour to serve as chairman of Chelsea Football Club. 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.”

Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano paid tribute to the outgoing chairman, saying: “Todd has been an important partner throughout our ownership of Chelsea, and we thank him for his time and contribution as chairman. He will always be a part of the Chelsea story and family.”

Clearlake’s consolidation of full control marks a significant structural shift at Stamford Bridge, removing the co-ownership arrangement that had defined the club’s governance since the Abramovich era ended. The firm has indicated it intends to continue on the strategic course already set, with Wyss providing continuity as the sole remaining member of the original investor group alongside the new majority owner.