Clearlake Capital Completes Full Takeover of Chelsea FC, Boehly Exits Ownership

Behdad Eghbali and his Clearlake Capital Group have acquired full control of Chelsea Football Club, purchasing the remaining minority shares previously held by Todd Boehly and Mark Walter. The deal, reportedly worth around £1 billion, marks a significant shift in the club's ownership structure.

While Eghbali's Clearlake Capital initially held a 61.5 percent stake acquired in 2022, they have now bought out Boehly, Walter, and Hansjorg Wyss's combined 38.5 percent ownership interest. Wyss will remain a stakeholder, but Boehly and Walter have divested their shares.

Chelsea announced the transition in a statement, confirming that Clearlake Capital affiliates would acquire Boehly's ownership interest. The statement also noted that Mark Walter's shares would be purchased, granting Clearlake full control. The club emphasized that substantial investments have been made across various facets of the club since the 2022 takeover, including player squads for both men's and women's teams, training facilities, and player support resources.

Boehly, who served as chairman following the 2022 acquisition, expressed his appreciation for his partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, stating his confidence in Chelsea's continued success under Clearlake's leadership. He highlighted the collective decisions and investments made to support the club's short-term and long-term success.

Eghbali, co-founder of Clearlake Capital alongside Jose E Feliciano, has been noted as the more hands-on owner, frequently engaging with the sporting directorship and attending matches. This full control comes after reports of a strained relationship between Boehly and Eghbali, with speculation about one buying out the other circulating for approximately two years.

In their statement, Chelsea highlighted that Boehly organized his chairmanship with a commitment to the belief that supporters are central to the club's operations. The club anticipates Clearlake Capital will continue to build on the current strategic course and realize the ownership group's ambitions.