Chelsea Shock: Clearlake Capital Takes Full Control As Boehly Sells Stake

Clearlake Capital has taken full control of Chelsea after chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter sold their stakes in the Premier League club to the investment firm.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the transaction gives Clearlake, led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano, complete control of the club after the firm previously held a 61.5 per cent stake. Boehly, Walter and Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss had each held 12.8 per cent stakes in Chelsea.

Chelsea confirmed that Wyss will remain an important stakeholder and partner within the ownership group following the change.

As part of the ownership restructuring, Boehly will step down as Chelsea chairman, a position he has held since the consortium acquired the club from former owner Roman Abramovich for £2.3 billion in 2022.

It is understood that Clearlake paid close to £1 billion for the combined stakes held by Boehly and Walter, which represented roughly a quarter of the club.

The ownership change follows disagreements between the Boehly and Clearlake camps that became increasingly apparent in 2024. Reports indicated that both sides subsequently explored the possibility of buying each other out.

Boehly, who also has an ownership role with Major League Baseball franchise Los Angeles Dodgers, described his time as Chelsea chairman as an honour. He thanked the Premier League, Chelsea’s coaches and players, staff, leadership and supporters while expressing confidence in the club’s future under Clearlake’s leadership.

Eghbali and Feliciano also thanked Boehly for his contribution as chairman, saying he would remain part of Chelsea’s history and wider family. They added that Clearlake intends to continue investing in the club’s infrastructure, sporting performance and player development.

Chelsea stated that the ownership restructuring would not result in changes to the club’s day-to-day operations, leadership or overall strategy.

The club has experienced a number of significant developments since the 2022 takeover. Chelsea finished fourth in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season and also won the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. The team finished 10th last season before appointing Xabi Alonso as manager during the summer.

Boehly and Walter have also sold their interests in French Ligue 1 side Strasbourg. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s plans concerning the redevelopment of Stamford Bridge or a potential move to a new stadium remain under consideration.