Crystal Palace Confirms Minority Stake Acquisition by New York Jets Co-Owner Woody Johnson.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: New York Jets

Premier League side Crystal Palace has officially confirmed that Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson, co-owner of the NFL’s New York Jets and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, has completed his acquisition of a minority stake in the club.

The deal, initially signed on June 23 and subject to regulatory approvals, sees Johnson purchase Eagle Football Holdings’ 43% stake in Crystal Palace, as reported by Reuters. British media estimate the transaction to be worth approximately £190 million ($256 million).

A New Addition to the Palace Ownership Group

With the deal finalized, Johnson now joins Steve Parish (Chairman), Josh Harris, and David Blitzer as a co-owner and director at Crystal Palace. His arrival marks a significant addition to the South London club’s leadership, with strong transatlantic credentials that include both business and diplomatic experience.

“It is an organisation with a proud history, tradition, and deep roots in English football in South London, which I came to admire during my time as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom,” Johnson said in a statement issued by the club.

“I look forward to working with [Chairman Steve Parish] and the entire ownership group to build on the club’s recent successes and help shape an exciting future for Crystal Palace.”

Johnson served as U.S. Ambassador to the UK from 2017 to 2021 under the Trump administration. He is the heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune and has owned the New York Jets since 2000.

Broader Implications for Crystal Palace Crystal Palace Woody Johnson

This acquisition reinforces a trend of increased American investment in English football, particularly among Premier League clubs. Crystal Palace, a club with strong community ties and a competitive standing in England’s top flight, gains a high-profile U.S. stakeholder with deep ties in sports and international business.

While no structural changes to the club’s governance were announced alongside the stake acquisition, observers note that the infusion of new capital and global exposure may further support Palace’s ambitions both on and off the pitch.

According to Reuters, the deal’s valuation suggests a total club value exceeding £440 million, underscoring Palace’s rising stature among England’s second-tier clubs in terms of enterprise value.