Chelsea’s new owners think it could be the top-earning soccer team in the world.
Clearlake Capital Partners co-founder and managing partner José E. Feliciano said that the Premier League club is “one of the best sports properties in the world” and has the potential to double its revenue.
- Clearlake purchased Chelsea along with Los Angeles Lakers, Dodgers, and Sparks co-owner Todd Boehly for $5.3 billion in a deal approved by the league in May.
- The club earned $558.3 million in revenue in the 2020-21 season, eighth among all soccer teams. Manchester City was first with $730.1 million.
- Chelsea’s revenue was $509.5 million in 2018-19, the last season unaffected by the pandemic.
Feliciano also noted that Chelsea’s women’s team could see huge growth.
“There’s no reason why that property should not be several hundred million dollars of revenue,” he said.
Stamford Bridge to Profits
The new ownership group is expected to invest in expensive repairs to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium.
Renovations could raise the venue’s capacity by 40% to around 60,000, comparable to Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Arsenal brought in $108.7 million in matchday revenue in the 2018-19 season — compared to Chelsea’s $85.6 million.
A revamped facility could also allow the team to earn more from luxury boxes.
