Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly is reportedly considering selling his stake in the Premier League club to majority owner Clearlake Capital, with growing differences over the direction of the club said to be behind the move.
Boehly and fellow director Mark Walter, who jointly hold part of Chelsea through BlueCo Holdings, are reportedly exploring the possibility of selling their shares to Clearlake, which currently owns a 62 per cent stake in the club.
The development comes four years after Boehly, Walter and their investment partners joined Clearlake in purchasing Chelsea from former owner Roman Abramovich for £2.5bn in May 2022.
Under the ownership structure, Clearlake holds the majority stake, while Boehly, Walter and fellow investor Hansjorg Wyss control the remaining 38 per cent through BlueCo Holdings.
However, reports suggest that the relationship between the two ownership groups has become increasingly strained, with Boehly said to be unhappy with some of the decisions shaping Chelsea’s future.
His concerns reportedly centre on the club’s recruitment strategy, frequent changes in the managerial position and plans for a potential new stadium.
The disagreements have reportedly led to attempts by both sides to explore buying each other out over the past two years, highlighting the growing differences over how the club should be run.
Boehly and Walter are now believed to be considering an exit from their minority stake, although the pair reportedly value their shares on the basis that Chelsea is worth around £5bn.
Despite the reported differences, Boehly and Walter remain close business partners. The two have also invested together in Major League Baseball side Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.
Boehly’s possible departure would mark a significant change in Chelsea’s ownership structure, particularly given his prominent role as chairman since the takeover.
The American-led ownership has invested heavily in Chelsea since acquiring the club, particularly in player recruitment, but the team’s inconsistent performances have continued to generate criticism.
Chelsea finished 10th in the Premier League last season and have appointed former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso as their new manager ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The Blues are scheduled to begin their league campaign away to Fulham on August 24, with attention now also turning to whether the reported ownership changes will affect the club’s long-term plans.
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