Clearlake Capital in Talks to Buy Chelsea Stake from Boehly and Walter

Published Aug 17, 04:35 PM UTC

The Financial Times exclusively reports that American financiers Todd Boehly and Mark Walter are in negotiations to sell their stake in Chelsea Football Club to majority shareholder Clearlake Capital. The potential deal aims to resolve long-standing strategic conflicts within the ownership group, which acquired the Premier League club for £2.5 billion in 2022 after Roman Abramovich was forced to sell due to sanctions. Clearlake holds over 60% of shares but shares equal control with chairman Boehly. Talks have been on-and-off for years, and it remains uncertain if an agreement will be reached. The negotiations come as Walter faces U.S. regulatory scrutiny of his insurance companies, which are under investigation for undisclosed related-party loans. Separately, Walter recently agreed to sell the Los Angeles Lakers for $12.5 billion. Spokespersons for Walter and Boehly did not comment, while Chelsea and Clearlake declined to comment.