Boehly, Walter sell Chelsea stakes to Clearlake
Boehly, Walter sell Chelsea stakes to Clearlake. Skip to main content Skip to navigation Boehly, Walter sell Chelsea stakes to Clearlake1hESPN News ServicesCarrick: 'We can't accept' Carabao exit performance1hRob DawsonSources: Union's Sullivan, 16, set for first USMNT call-up5hJeff CarlisleMan United will be 'careful' with Gabriel future12mESPN News ServicesMbappé explains obscuring Ceuta shirt amid backlash in Spain3hAlex KirklandPulisic subs on as Milan humbled by Benfica in Europa League2hESPN News ServicesHot Seat Index: Which Premier League managers will be fired first?
What happened
Clearlake Capital has taken full control of Chelsea after acquiring the ownership stakes of Mark Walter and Todd Boehly, the Premier League club announced Wednesday. 2dTom HamiltonLiverpool can't take Mac Allister and Gakpo for granted — they're still match winners1dBeth LindopGreek flags and Grand Finals: Why Melbourne Victory feels like home for Giovanni Savarese20hJoey LynchManchester derby defined by VAR drama; Real Madrid booed; Chelsea bullied by Hull2dGabriele MarcottiMLS Power Rankings: Chicago's slide continues as Nashville cements top spot2dMegan SwanickNWSL Power Rankings: Gotham FC rise to the top as Spirit slip3dJenna PelplayAlonso: Chelsea have been 'punished' over defensive problems (0:45)ESPN News ServicesMultiple AuthorsSep 16, 2026, 06:52 PM ETEmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsTodd Boehly and fellow co-owner Mark Walter have sold their stakes in Chelsea in a deal that gives Clearlake Capital full control of the English Premier League club.
Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Todd Boehly (left) and Mark Walter (right) had been part of Chelsea's ownership group since 2022ByJack SkeltonBBC Sport senior journalistPublished17 September 2026Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly and director Mark Walter have sold their stakes in the club to majority owner Clearlake Capital. BBC Sport reported in August that Boehly and Walter were exploring selling their stakes. Chelsea have ongoing plans either to redevelop Stamford Bridge or move to a new stadium, which sources say had created tension at times between Boehly's camp and Clearlake.
S. businessmen Walter and Boehly each owned 12. The Financial Times reported that Walter and Boehly will receive £950 million ($1.
The wider picture
Chelsea said chairman Boehly had shown "unwavering commitment" to the ownership group's belief that the supporters are at the heart of the club. "It has been an honour to serve as Chairman of Chelsea Football Club," Boehly said in a Chelsea statement. I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned for continued success under Clearlake's leadership. "ESPN reported last month that the relationship between Clearlake and other investors, specifically Boehly, deteriorated over recent years with each looking to buy the other out in 2024.
Boehly, who is a co-owner of baseball franchise the Los Angeles Dodgers, said it had been an "honour" to serve as Chelsea chairman. Eghbali and Feliciano thanked Boehly for his "time and contribution" as chairman, saying he will "always be a part of the Chelsea story and family". Walter, the co-owner and chief executive of global finance firm Guggenheim Partners, where Boehly also began his financial career, last month sold the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.
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What has been reported
Private equity firm Clearlake, led by Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Boehly also held the position of club chairman, a role which he will now relinquish. "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. "I have valued my partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and the collective decisions and investment we have made to support the immediate and long-term success of the Club.
Walter last month completed the sudden sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to venture capitalist Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Bob Iger at a $12. Walter, who only acquired the Lakers 14 months earlier, is under federal investigation relating to insurance companies he owns. Chelsea, who appointed Xabi Alonso as manager in the summer and are currently sixth in the Premier League, said there will be no changes to day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy at the club.
Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has also sold his stake, meaning Clearlake – led by co-founders Behdad Eghbali and Jose E.
What happens next
American Boehly will leave his role as chairman, a position he has held since 2022, when the consortium bought the club for £2. Multiple sources said talks started within Chelsea's ownership group after a rift, first apparent in 2024, led both sides to explore buying each other out. "Since the takeover in 2022, Chelsea's highest Premier League finish is fourth in 2024-25, with the club also winning the Uefa Conference League and Fifa Club World Cup that season. Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and appointed Xabi Alonso as their manager in the summer.
They added their 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". A club statement said there will be "no changes to the day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy at the club" as a result of Clearlake assuming full control. Separately, US federal prosecutors and the Securities and Exchange Commission are investigating companies in Walter's business empire.
The report has been compiled by The Daily Waves using information reported across espn.com, bbc.co.uk. Details are presented according to the information available at the time of publication and may change as authorities, organisers or other relevant parties provide updates.