Clearlake Capital Completes Chelsea Takeover as Boehly and Walter Exit Ownership

Todd Boehly and Mark Walter have sold their stakes in Chelsea, completing Clearlake Capital’s acquisition of full control of the Premier League club.

Boehly and Walter joined Clearlake in the 2022 purchase of Chelsea from Roman Abramovich, a transaction approved by the UK government. Clearlake had held 61.5% of the club, while Boehly, Walter and fellow investor Hansjörg Wyss divided the remaining ownership.

In a statement issued late Wednesday, Chelsea said affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group, LP would buy Boehly’s ownership interest. Wyss would continue as a significant stakeholder and partner in the club’s ownership group.

The statement said Clearlake would also acquire Walter’s stake, giving the private equity firm complete control of Chelsea.

Chelsea praised Boehly’s “unwavering commitment” to the ownership group’s belief that supporters are central to the club. It said the partners had worked toward creating a sustainable basis for long-term sporting success.

The group said its joint ownership brought major investment to Chelsea’s men’s and women’s first teams, youth squads, Cobham training facilities, medical and player-support services, academy pathways and the club’s sporting and commercial leadership.

Boehly said he was honoured to have served as Chelsea chairman and thanked the Premier League, coaches, players, club staff and supporters for helping secure a positive future for the club.

He said he valued his partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and expressed confidence that Chelsea was well placed for continued success under Clearlake’s leadership.

Clearlake Capital co-founders Behdad Eghbali and José Feliciano said Boehly had been an important partner during their time owning Chelsea and would remain part of the club’s story and family.

They said Clearlake had been Chelsea’s majority owner since 2022 and, as it moved to full control, would continue investing in the club’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and long-term success for the team and its supporters.

Chelsea, which appointed Xabi Alonso as manager in the summer and currently sits sixth in the Premier League, said there would be no changes to day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy.

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