Boehly Wants More European Soccer Teams, All-Star Game

Todd Boehly purchased Chelsea FC with Clearlake Capital for roughly $5.2 billion in May, and the U.S. billionaire already has big plans for the Premier League club.

Boehly said Tuesday that he was keen on building a multi-club ownership group and would consider buying teams from other European soccer leagues. The model would be similar to City Football Group, which has full or partial ownership of 12 global soccer clubs including Manchester City, New York City FC, and Melbourne FC.

Boehly named Belgium and Portugal as target countries for other clubs.

Chelsea FC has made several changes since its new owners took over.

• Earlier this month, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel was fired and replaced with Graham Potter, the former head coach of Brighton & Hove Albion. 
• In July, the club raised $957 million in debt to boost the team’s operations and stadium.

Premier League Proposals

Boehly also suggested the Premier League should consider an all-star match, as it would increase clubs’ revenues and help fund lower divisions, as well as a “North vs. South” match between the bottom four sides to help fund lower-ranked Premier League teams.

“[Major League Baseball] did their All-Star Game in L.A. this year — we made $200 million from a Monday and a Tuesday,” the co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and Sparks said.

“Ultimately, I hope that the Premier League takes a little bit of a lesson from American sports.”