• Loading stock data...
Thursday, November 7, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Boehly Emerges As Favorite To Win Chelsea

  • The group led by Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and Sparks part owner Todd Boehly will reportedly enter exclusive talks to buy Chelsea FC.
  • The sale will top $4.4 billion.
Todd-Boehly
Patrick T. Fallon-AFP

After a months-long battle of billionaire sports owners, a new owner for Chelsea FC is emerging: The group led by Todd Boehly will reportedly enter exclusive talks to purchase the club.

The final reported price will exceed $4.4 billion, setting a record for a professional sports team sale – one that may be broken later this year by a buyer for the Denver Broncos. Boehly also submitted a bid for the NFL team.

  • The bid from the American investor and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lakers, and Sparks includes private equity firm Clearlake Capital.
  • Rival bidders, led by British businessman Sir Martin Broughton and Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca, have been informed they will not be selected.
  • Should Boehly’s bid fall through, those two bids would reportedly be next in line.

Boehly, Chelsea, and Raine Group, the bank handling the sale, have not confirmed the news. The U.K. government is working to ensure that former owner Roman Abramovich does not profit from the sale after he was sanctioned for his ties to Vladimir Putin.

Last-Minute Drama

A late bid from majority owner of chemicals company Ineos Group — and one of Britain’s richest men — Sir Jim Ratcliffe of up to $5.4 billion presented a wild card, but it is believed the move came too late to impact the process.

Raine Group tagged groups led by Boehly, Broughton, Pagliuca, and the Ricketts family as finalists in March. The Ricketts, who own the Chicago Cubs, dropped out later in the process.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.
Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump waves flanked by former Georgia Bulldogs player Herschel Walker, recording art Kid Rock, professional golfer John Daily, Alabama senators Tommy Tuberville (R) and Katie Britt (R) during the second half of the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Mission Swing State: College Football’s Political Advertising Battle

Trump, Harris, and the PACs that support them are utilizing the sport.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Is Trump Recruiting Sports Figures for Future Cabinet?

0:00

Featured Today

The Untapped Revenue ‘Powder Keg’ of Women’s NFL Fandom

There’s a “boatload” of money at stake for brands and the league.
Donald Trump holding a basketball in the White House
October 30, 2024

Mavericks Owner’s $100 Million Trump Donation Dwarfs All Other Sports Owner Political Giving

Dr. Miriam Adelson is one of the most powerful donors in U.S. politics.
Oct 19, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) shakes hands while entering the locker room after a game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
October 28, 2024

NIL Director Is the Trendy New Job in College Sports. But the Role Is Chaos

Athletic departments nationwide are hiring for what’s become their most important position.
FuboTV signage
opinion
October 26, 2024

Fubo’s Fight Against Streaming Giants Feels Futile

Fubo notched a legal win, but subs and stock still slump.
Oct 27, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter at Lumen Field.

Buffalo Bills in Talks to Sell Stake to PE Firm Arctos: Report

Arctos already has a slice of Paris Saint-Germain and the PGA Tour, among other assets.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
October 9, 2024

Why Mark Cuban Sold the Dallas Mavericks When He Did

Cuban sold his majority stake to the Adelson family in December 2023.
Jul 7, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik hoists the Stanley Cup after the Lightning defeated the Montreal Canadiens 1-0 in game five to win the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Amalie Arena.
October 25, 2024

Lightning Sell at $1.8B Valuation, Nearly Double Prior NHL Record

The Lightning unveiled a multistep and multiyear sale process.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Young fans look over Michigan State sports equipment on display during the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.
October 2, 2024

Private Equity Firms Buy Rival Hockey Brands CCM and Bauer

Both brands have been around for decades and changed ownership in the same week.
September 18, 2024

Rogers Tightens Grip on Canadian Sports With $3.46B MLSE Stake

The Blue Jays owner makes a big move to corner most of the Toronto pro sports market.
Fans watch TV screens during a game viewing party for fans at the FanDuel Sportsbook at Meadowlands Racing & Entertainment in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
September 18, 2024

FanDuel Parent Buys Italian Gambling Company in Bid for Growth

Flutter is making big moves in Italy and Brazil.
September 12, 2024

Team USA’s Uniform Maker Is Shooting for a Long-Term Win

This week’s uniforms are honoring the Armed Forces.