Todd Boehly open to selling stake in Chelsea

Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly has expressed openness to selling his 12.8 per cent stake in the club to majority owners Clearlake Capital, according to recent reports in The Financial Times. The potential sale comes as the pair, along with Clearlake's Behdad Eghbali, engage in discussions over the transaction. Rumors of a rift between Boehly and Eghbali have been circulating since 2024, with conflicting ideas on the club's future development, particularly regarding the construction of a new stadium.

Meanwhile, Mark Walter, another co-owner, is reportedly selling his stake in Chelsea to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner for a record-breaking $12.5 billion. Hansjorg Wyss, a Swiss billionaire, also owns a 12.8 per cent stake but the status of his ownership remains unclear. Chelsea have declined to comment on the matter.

Despite Walters' infrequent appearances at the club, Boehly has been a prominent figure since the club's sale from Roman Abramovich for £2.3 billion in 2022. Boehly's role as sporting director during the club's initial transfer window under the new ownership has gradually diminished. Eghbali, who manages Clearlake alongside Jose Feliciano, has been the most influential figure at Chelsea recently.

The reported discord over stadium plans has been attributed to differing viewpoints between the co-owners. Boehly is scheduled to step down as Chelsea chairman at the end of the 2026-27 season after his five-year term. According to The Telegraph, there are rules in place preventing any of Chelsea's co-owners from selling their stakes to outside investors for the first 10 years of ownership.

The Financial Times also reported Chelsea's current valuation at £5 billion, which could potentially allow Boehly and Walter to double their £325m investment made four years ago.