Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson — co-owner of the New York Jets and former U.S. ambassador to the UK — has entered into a binding agreement to acquire a 43% share in Crystal Palace FC, according to a report by Reuters.
The stake is being purchased from Eagle Football Holdings, led by American investor John Textor.
The agreement remains subject to approval from the Premier League and the Women’s Super League, however, the club has indicated it does not expect any regulatory issues. UK media outlets estimate the value of the deal at approximately AUD 388 million.
Strategic Impact for Crystal Palace
The change in ownership is not just financially significant but strategically crucial. Crystal Palace recently secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City. However, their participation was at risk due to UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules, as previous owner John Textor also holds a stake in Olympique Lyonnais — another Europa League participant.
By transferring his shares to Woody Johnson, Crystal Palace has removed potential regulatory conflicts related to dual club ownership under UEFA’s 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, Woody Johnson is a prominent figure in US business and politics. A member of the Johnson & Johnson founding family, he served as the US Ambassador to the UK from 2017 to 2021 and co-owns the NFL’s New York Jets. His entry into Premier League ownership highlights the growing influence of American investors in English football, joining a group of NFL-connected backers active in European sports.
Johnson previously attempted to buy Chelsea FC in 2022, though the bid was unsuccessful.
Textor’s Exit and Multi-Club Ownership Issues
Textor’s departure marks a key moment in the evolving landscape of multi-club ownership. His company, Eagle Football Holdings, owns stakes in Olympique Lyonnais (France), Botafogo (Brazil), and Molenbeek (Belgium).
Increasing scrutiny from UEFA, FIFA, and domestic leagues on multi-club ownership adds complexity to managing such cross-border portfolios. Textor bought his Palace stake in August 2021 for around $189 million and has now sold it at a significant profit.
Wider Market Context
Johnson’s investment continues the trend of growing American ownership in Premier League clubs, joining figures like:
- Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital at Chelsea
- Fenway Sports Group at Liverpool
- The Glazer family at Manchester United
- Josh Harris and David Blitzer, former Palace stakeholders
The deal also reflects rising valuations for mid-tier Premier League clubs, with Palace now valued at over $840 million — boosted by strong broadcast deals, European competition qualification, and Premier League status.
