Will Woody Johnson be the latest NFL owner to enter the world of European soccer?
According to Adam Schefter, the Jets’ owner is one of those bidding to purchase Chelsea FC, one of the marquee teams in England’s Premier League, which is on the block from current owner Roman Abramovich.
Per Schefter, Johnson has spoken with Raine Group, who is in charge of the process, and Johnson’s interest comes with his “familiarity with London and the team” after serving as President Donald Trump’s ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017-2021.
Another potential perk? The Jets have marketing rights for the NFL’s UK International Home Marketing Areas program, which could help Johnson as he navigates what is reportedly a $2.24 billion price tag for the English side.
Chelsea is one of England, and Europe’s, marquee soccer teams, with six Premier League Titles to their credit. The Blues won both the UEFA Super Cup and Champions League titles last year en route to finishing fourth in the Premier League, and currently sit third in the 2021-22 table after 26 matches.
The Ricketts Family, who also own the Chicago Cubs, are also rumored to be interested in buying Chelsea from Abramovich, who announced last week that he will selling the team. Abramovich, who is Russian, made the decision amidst mounting calls in the U.K. for him to face sanctions in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but he announced that net proceeds of the sale will be distributed to war victims through his foundation.
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If Johnson becomes the owner, he would be the fourth NFL owner to own at least a stake in a sitting Premier League team, following Stan Kroenke (Rams/Arsenal), the Glazer Family (Bucs/Manchester United), and Jed York (49ers/Leeds United).
Jags owner Shad Khan, whose son Tony is the CEO of All Elite Wrestling and a frequent guest on WFAN, also has a stake in Fulham, currently playing in the EFL Championship (the second tier of English Football) after being relegated following an 18th place Premier League finish in 2020-21.
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