Woody Johnson Acquires 43% Stake in Crystal Palace Amid Premier League Ownership Realignment.

Roger Hampel

Photo Credit: New York Jets

Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson, co-owner of the New York Jets and former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, has signed a legally binding agreement to acquire a 43% stake in Crystal Palace FC, as first reported by Reuters. The deal involves the purchase of shares from Eagle Football Holdings, led by American investor John Textor.

The transaction is pending Premier League and Women's Super League approval, but Crystal Palace stated it does not anticipate any regulatory obstacles. British media reports have valued the deal at approximately £190 million ($254 million USD). Woody Johnson Crystal Palace

Strategic Implications for Crystal Palace Woody Johnson Crystal Palace

The ownership change is not only financially significant, but also strategically timely. Crystal Palace recently secured UEFA Europa League qualification through their FA Cup triumph over Manchester City. However, under UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, their participation was in question due to Textor’s simultaneous stake in Olympique Lyonnais, another Europa League qualifier.

By transferring his shares to Johnson, Palace has now mitigated regulatory risks related to dual ownership conflicts under UEFA guidelines.

The club thanked Textor for his four-year involvement, stating:

“We would like to go on record to thank John Textor for his contribution over the past four years and wish him every success for the future.”

Who Is Woody Johnson?

At 78 years old, Johnson is a high-profile figure in both U.S. business and politics. A member of the Johnson & Johnson founding family, he served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom (2017–2021) and currently co-owns the NFL’s New York Jets. His entrance into Premier League ownership represents a continuation of growing American influence in English football, and makes him one of several NFL-linked investors active in European sport.

This is not Johnson’s first foray into English football; in 2022, he submitted a bid to acquire Chelsea FC, though it was ultimately unsuccessful.

Textor’s Exit and Multi-Club Ownership Challenges

Textor’s exit marks a notable shift in the multi-club ownership (MCO) landscape. His company, Eagle Football Holdings, owns stakes in:

• Olympique Lyonnais (France)

• Botafogo (Brazil)

• Molenbeek (Belgium)

  
  

The growing scrutiny of MCO by governing bodies such as UEFA, FIFA, and domestic leagues has brought additional complexity to operations involving cross-border club portfolios. Textor acquired his Crystal Palace stake in August 2021 for approximately £90 million, and has now divested it at a substantial markup.

Broader Market Context

Johnson’s investment adds to the expanding trend of American ownership in Premier League clubs, including:

• Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital at Chelsea

• Fenway Sports Group at Liverpool

• The Glazer family at Manchester United

• Josh Harris/David Blitzer (previous stakeholders in Palace)

  
  

The deal also underscores the growing financial valuations of mid-tier Premier League clubs, with Palace now reportedly valued well above £400 million, a reflection of broadcasting rights strength, European competition exposure, and Premier League status stability.