Clearlake Capital Takes Full Control of Chelsea FC

Private equity firm Clearlake Capital has acquired full control of Chelsea FC after buying out the combined 25% ownership stakes of Todd Boehly and Mark Walter. The transaction, valued at approximately £950 million ($1.27 billion), values the club at about £5 billion including debt. Boehly and Walter each received roughly $650 million from the deal.

As a result of the acquisition, Todd Boehly has stepped down as chairman of the club. Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss remains a partner and stakeholder in the ownership group. Clearlake, which has been the majority owner since purchasing the club from Roman Abramovich in 2022 for £4.25 billion, now assumes total control.

Chelsea FC stated that the transition will not result in immediate changes to day-to-day operations, leadership, or strategy. Clearlake intends to maintain its current strategic focus on player development, sporting performance, and infrastructure. This shift in control is expected to facilitate a final decision on whether the club will redevelop Stamford Bridge or construct a new stadium.