By Opeyemi Adelakun
Chelsea have entered a new chapter in their ownership structure, with American investment firm Clearlake Capital taking full control of the Premier League club.
The development changes the balance of power at Stamford Bridge, although Clearlake is not a new investor in Chelsea. The firm has been the club’s majority owner since the 2022 takeover.
Here are seven key facts about the new leadership and the people behind it.
- Who Now Controls Chelsea?
Clearlake Capital now has full control of Chelsea after affiliates of the investment firm acquired the ownership interests previously held by Todd Boehly and Mark Walter.
Chelsea confirmed the transition in September 2026.
Swiss businessman Hansjörg Wyss remains an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group.
Boehly has also stepped down as chairman.
- Who Are Behdad Eghbali And José E. Feliciano?
Eghbali and Feliciano are the co-founders and managing partners of Clearlake Capital.
They have been at the centre of the firm’s growth since it was established in 2006 and have also been prominent representatives of Clearlake during its ownership of Chelsea.
Clearlake identifies both men as its senior leadership figures.
- What Is Clearlake Capital?
Clearlake Capital is a global investment firm founded in 2006.
The company operates across private equity, liquid and private credit and other investment strategies.
Its private-equity activities focus mainly on technology, industrial and consumer businesses.
Clearlake says it invests across the capital structure through transactions including buyouts, corporate divestitures, reorganisations and recapitalisations.
- How Big Is Clearlake?
Clearlake has grown significantly since its establishment.
The firm says it started in 2006 with three employees and an initial fund of $182m. By 2026, its combined assets under management had risen to more than $185bn following the acquisition of Pathway Capital Management.
The firm also says it has more than 500 employees globally.
Its expansion has included offices in London, Dublin and Singapore, while its investment operations have broadened beyond traditional private equity into credit and other private-market strategies.
- How Did Clearlake Become Chelsea’s Owner?
Clearlake became involved with Chelsea in 2022 when it joined a consortium led by Boehly to acquire the club from Roman Abramovich.
The consortium included Boehly, Clearlake, Wyss and Walter.
Under the original arrangement, Boehly and Clearlake shared joint control and equal governance, with Boehly serving as chairman.
Clearlake remained the majority owner during the four-year period before the latest transaction.
- What Happened To Todd Boehly?
Boehly has left his position as Chelsea chairman following the restructuring.
He had served as chairman since the 2022 takeover.
In his farewell statement, Boehly described it as an “honour” to serve as chairman and said he was confident Chelsea was “well positioned for continued success under Clearlake’s leadership.”
Clearlake’s Eghbali and Feliciano also thanked Boehly for his contribution to the club.
- What Does The New Leadership Want For Chelsea?
Chelsea’s ownership has said its immediate ambition is to compete at the highest level and win major trophies while maintaining long-term investment in the club.
In its latest statement, the ownership said success on the pitch would remain its first priority, alongside commercial development and continued investment in infrastructure.
The club has also indicated that the ownership change will not result in major alterations to its day-to-day operations, leadership or strategy.
The key difference, therefore, is not the arrival of a completely new investor. Rather, it is the shift from shared control under the Boehly-Clearlake arrangement to Clearlake having full control of Chelsea.
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