Chelsea Football Club have announced a major ownership transition that will see affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group acquire the ownership interests of Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, giving the investment firm full control of the Premier League club.
The development will also see Boehly relinquish his position as chairman, while Swiss businessman Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group.
In a statement, Chelsea confirmed that the transition would not affect the club’s day-to-day operations, leadership or strategic direction.
The announcement marks a significant development in the ownership structure established in 2022, when Boehly and Clearlake jointly led the acquisition of the London club.
The takeover was completed during a period of uncertainty surrounding the club’s ownership, following political developments that affected its previous ownership.
Boehly subsequently assumed the chairmanship, with the ownership group maintaining its stated commitment to placing supporters at the centre of the club’s activities.
Under the joint ownership, Chelsea said substantial investments had been made in the men’s and women’s senior teams, youth squads, training facilities at Cobham, medical and player-support resources, academy development and the club’s sporting and business leadership.
The club said the investments were aimed at establishing a sustainable foundation for long-term sporting success.
Boehly, reflecting on his departure as chairman, described his time in the position as an honour and expressed confidence in the club’s future under Clearlake’s leadership.
“It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club,” he said.
He thanked the English Premier League, the club’s coaches, players, leadership and staff, as well as Chelsea supporters, for their contributions during his tenure.
Boehly also acknowledged his partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, noting the collective decisions and investments made to support the club’s immediate and long-term ambitions.
He said Chelsea was well positioned for continued success under its new ownership arrangement.
Clearlake co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano also paid tribute to Boehly, describing him as an important partner throughout their ownership of the club.
They thanked him for his contributions as chairman and said he would remain part of Chelsea’s history and family.
The investment firm’s founders said Clearlake had served as the club’s majority owner since 2022 and would now focus on building on the existing strategic direction.
“As we move to full control our focus is to continue investing in the Club’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and delivering long-term success for Chelsea and the Club’s supporters,” they said.
The ownership transition comes as Chelsea continues to pursue its ambitions across its men’s and women’s teams, with the club’s infrastructure, player development and sporting performance identified as key areas of continued investment.
Despite the change in ownership structure, the club said there would be no changes to its existing leadership or operational arrangements.
The transaction involves several financial and legal advisers. Evercore is serving as lead financial adviser, while The Raine Group, BDT&MSD Partners and BofA Securities are advising Clearlake.
Sidley Austin LLP is acting as legal adviser to Clearlake and Chelsea, while Goldman Sachs and Latham & Watkins are advising the sellers. Winston Taylor LLP is also advising Mark Walter, with Macfarlanes LLP representing Wyss.
The announcement effectively brings Boehly’s tenure as Chelsea chairman to an end, while placing the club under the full control of Clearlake Capital, which has pledged to continue investing in the club’s long-term development.
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