Boehly Hints at Potential Ownership Split Over Stamford Bridge Redevelopment

Todd Boehly has suggested that disagreements over the future of Stamford Bridge could lead to a split among Chelsea’s owners. In May 2022, Clearlake Capital, co-owned by Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano, partnered with the American billionaire to purchase Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.

The consortium acquired the club for £4.25 billion, making Chelsea the most expensive football club in history. A statement confirmed that £2.5 billion was paid in shares, while £1.75 billion was earmarked for investments in Stamford Bridge, Kingsmeadow, the men’s and women’s teams, the academy, and charity initiatives.

While the new ownership group has heavily invested in players and staff, redeveloping Stamford Bridge has proven a major challenge. With that in mind, football.london has compiled the latest updates on Chelsea’s stadium situation.

Boehly’s Latest Update on Chelsea’s Stadium Plans

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Boehly suggested that he and Clearlake Capital, Chelsea’s majority shareholders, could part ways if they fail to agree on the club’s stadium future. Clearlake Capital holds a 61.5% stake in Chelsea, while the remaining 38.5% is split equally between Boehly, Hansjörg Wyss and Mark Walter.

Boehly stated:

“We have to think long term about what we’re trying to accomplish. There’s a major stadium development opportunity that we need to work out. That will determine whether we stay aligned or decide to go our separate ways.”

“We’ve learned a lot from each other, and we’ll figure things out one way or another. Looking at how the team has evolved, we’ve been aligned in our vision and objectives. It’s a young squad with long-term contracts, and we’re executing a plan that will put Chelsea where it belongs—competing at the top.”

Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO) and Stamford Bridge Ownership Dilemma

The Chelsea Pitch Owners PLC (CPO) is a company that owns the freehold of Stamford Bridge and holds the rights to the Chelsea FC name. Established in the 1990s by Ken Bates, the CPO has since sold over 23,000 shares to fans, former players, and staff, ensuring that no single individual can gain undue influence over its decisions.

In 1997, the CPO leased Stamford Bridge to Chelsea FC for 199 years. If the club intends to move to a new stadium, it must either surrender the Chelsea FC name to the CPO or obtain permission to relocate.

The CPO chairman reaffirmed this position in an AGM statement in January 2025, stating:

“To reiterate the obvious, only CPO shareholders can vote on any proposal concerning the future of Stamford Bridge. No share, no vote. We encourage supporters to buy shares and play an active role in the club’s future.”

Earl’s Court Statement: No Plans for Chelsea to Relocate

In September 2024, the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC), which is managing a multi-billion-pound regeneration project in West London, dismissed speculation linking Chelsea with a move to the site.

Reports had claimed that Chelsea held talks with real estate developers Delancey—owners of the 40-acre Earl’s Court site—and Transport for London to explore relocation possibilities. However, the ECDC issued an official statement refuting these claims:

“There is no plan within our development proposals for Chelsea FC to relocate to the Earl’s Court site.”

“Our masterplan, which has been evolving over four years of engagement, prioritises the creation of thousands of homes, jobs, cultural spaces, and green areas. Planning submissions will be made to local authorities shortly, with development commencing in 2026 and first residents moving in by 2030. This remains our primary focus.”

Boehly Outlines Preliminary Plans for Stamford Bridge

During the Bloomberg Qatar Economic Forum in May 2024, Boehly discussed Chelsea’s ongoing efforts to enhance the matchday experience at Stamford Bridge.

“We’re actively working on this. What will the stadium plan look like?”

“Chelsea has a truly unique location in London. Many fans can walk to Stamford Bridge, as it’s right in the heart of West London. However, our stadium only accommodates around 40,000 spectators, so upgrading its size and quality is a key priority over the next decade.”

“Conversations have already started with various stakeholders. Being located in central London has its advantages, but it also comes with challenges.”

Conclusion

The future of Stamford Bridge remains a complex issue, with potential disagreements among Chelsea’s owners and obstacles linked to redevelopment or relocation. With the CPO holding significant power, Chelsea’s plans for a new or expanded stadium will heavily depend on shareholder approval.

For now, any move to Earl’s Court appears highly unlikely, and Boehly’s focus remains on upgrading Stamford Bridge to ensure the club remains competitive on and off the pitch.