Boehly, Walter reportedly considering selling Chelsea stakes

Todd Boehly and Mark Walter, key investors in Chelsea Football Club, are reportedly exploring the sale of their stakes in the Premier League side. The American billionaires, who partnered with Clearlake Capital to acquire the club from Roman Abramovich in May 2022, are said to be considering selling to their majority owner.

Clearlake Capital currently holds a 62 percent controlling stake in Chelsea, with Boehly, Walter, and fellow investor Hansjorg Wyss collectively owning the remaining 38 percent through Blueco Holdings. Reports suggest that Boehly has expressed dissatisfaction with various aspects of Chelsea's operations, including player recruitment, managerial decisions, and plans for a new stadium. This alleged discontent has fueled speculation about buy-out attempts between Boehly and Clearlake over the past two years.

Sources indicate that Boehly and Walter believe their combined stake in Chelsea could command a valuation of £5 billion if a sale were to proceed. The two are long-time friends and business partners, with shared investments in other sports ventures like the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and the WNBA's LA Sparks. Chelsea's recent performance, including a 10th-place finish in the Premier League last season, and the recent hiring of Xabi Alonso as their new manager, precede this potential ownership shift.