Clearlake's takeover pushes Boehly and Walter out of Chelsea

Inside Stamford Bridge’s boardroom on 17 September, Todd Boehly and Mark Walter confirmed they have relinquished their stakes in Chelsea Football Club, ending a partnership that began in May 2022 when they first bought close to 26 per cent of the club.

Share structure and control

Clearlake Capital, founded by Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano, will increase its holding from 61.5 per cent to about 85 per cent, cementing majority control of the Premier League club. The increase follows the acquisition of Boehly and Walter’s shares and reflects the group’s intent to steer the club’s future.

Valuation and sale price

The sale of the 26 per cent share has been reported at £950million by and at £2.3bn by other sources. The club’s overall valuation has been reported at near £5bn and at £2.3bn in different accounts, highlighting the disparity in financial estimates.

Boehly’s farewell

One report says Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss will retain his 15 per cent share, while another indicates he has sold his stake to Clearlake. Regardless of the outcome, his involvement will no longer affect the new ownership balance.

In a statement, Todd Boehly said, “It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club. I would like to thank the many who helped secure a bright future for the club, including the English Premier League, the coaches and players, the talented leadership and staff at Chelsea, and the legions of dedicated fans.” He will step down as chairman immediately.

Behdad Eghbali and Jose Feliciano added, “Todd has been an important partner throughout our ownership of Chelsea, and we thank him for his time and contribution as chairman. 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.”

Boehly, also a co‑owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, oversaw a turbulent first season that ended with a 12th‑place finish in the Premier League. Despite managerial turnover, the Blues secured the 2025 UEFA Conference League and the Club World Cup, with striker Cole Palmer contributing 58 goals and 34 assists in 137 appearances since his 2023 arrival from Manchester City.

With Clearlake now poised to direct the club’s strategy, Chelsea’s supporters can expect a renewed emphasis on infrastructure and youth development, while the Premier League watches how the new majority owner will shape one of its most storied franchises. The next chapter will be watched closely by both investors and fans alike.