BREAKING NEWS: New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson Strikes $340 Million Deal for 50% Stake in Premier League Club Crystal Palace

 New York Jets Owner Woody Johnson Strikes $340 Million Deal for 50% Stake in Premier League Club Crystal Palace

In a significant development that further intertwines American investment with the Premier League, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson has agreed to purchase a 50% stake in London-based football club Crystal Palace in a deal valued at approximately $340 million. The stake is being acquired from current shareholder and American businessman John Textor, marking a high-profile transition in the club’s ownership structure.

The deal, which has been quietly negotiated over the past several months, signals Johnson’s official entry into European football, a sport that has increasingly attracted U.S. investors seeking international exposure, global branding opportunities, and long-term financial upside. The transaction is pending regulatory approval, including ratification from the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test.

Sources close to the negotiations describe the deal as “mutually beneficial,” with Textor stepping away to focus on his broader football network under Eagle Football Holdings, which includes stakes in French club Olympique Lyonnais and Brazil’s Botafogo. Johnson, meanwhile, will take on an active role in reshaping Palace’s financial strategy, international branding, and infrastructural development.

A New Chapter for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, a mainstay in the Premier League since their promotion in 2013, has maintained relative stability in the top flight, consistently avoiding relegation while nurturing a reputation for developing young English talent. The club plays its home matches at Selhurst Park, a historic ground in South London that is currently undergoing long-term renovation plans to improve facilities and expand capacity.

Under the stewardship of longtime chairman Steve Parish, Palace has seen measured growth, although ambitions have been tempered by financial pragmatism. Johnson’s arrival could signal a shift in that strategy.

In a brief joint statement released Tuesday, Parish welcomed the investment, saying:

“Woody brings a wealth of experience in sports ownership and a global business perspective that aligns with our vision for Crystal Palace’s future. His enthusiasm for the club and understanding of its unique identity made him an ideal partner.”

Johnson, 77, a billionaire businessman and heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, has owned the NFL’s New York Jets since 2000. He served as U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom from 2017 to 2021 under the Trump administration, during which time he developed a deeper appreciation for British culture and football. That diplomatic tenure is believed to have played a crucial role in his growing interest in acquiring a stake in a Premier League side.

In his own remarks, Johnson expressed admiration for Palace’s “gritty spirit and loyal fanbase,” emphasizing that his investment is rooted in a long-term commitment to the club and its community.

“Crystal Palace is a club with deep roots in its community and an identity that resonates far beyond South London,” Johnson said. “This is more than a financial investment — it’s a partnership. I want to help grow the club sustainably, invest in its youth, and build on the strong foundation already in place.”

Implications for the Premier League

Johnson’s entry adds to the growing list of American owners involved in English football. With existing U.S. investments in clubs like Manchester United (Glazer family), Arsenal (Kroenke Sports & Entertainment), Liverpool (Fenway Sports Group), Chelsea (Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital), and others, the trend reflects a shift in the global sports investment landscape.

Some observers have expressed concerns about the influence of foreign capital on the identity and independence of English clubs, while others view the influx of American ownership as a necessary step for global competitiveness and modernization.

Sports finance expert Daniel Geiger told The Athletic:

“Woody Johnson is not new to high-stakes sports investment. What makes this deal interesting is the scale and the clear intent to be an involved partner. Unlike passive investors, Johnson has the means and inclination to make his presence felt on both football and commercial operations.”

What’s Next?

Pending Premier League approval, Johnson is expected to take his place on the board and begin discussions with Parish and club executives about next steps. Short-term goals reportedly include strengthening the club’s commercial reach in North America, enhancing youth development, and evaluating the current stadium expansion timeline.

Whether this investment will translate into larger player budgets and a more aggressive push for European competition remains to be seen. But Johnson’s deep pockets and business experience suggest Crystal Palace could be poised for a transformative period in its history.

While Textor’s departure closes one chapter, Johnson’s arrival could usher in a new era—one that promises ambition, investment, and a global vision for the club once known as “The Glaziers.”

Crystal Palace fans, long accustomed to resilience and underdog spirit, may now be looking toward a future that includes higher expectations, increased visibility, and the kind of financial clout that could make the club a more competitive force in the Premier League hierarchy.