Crystal Palace co-owner John Textor is in advanced discussions to sell his 43% stake in the Premier League club, with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson emerging as the frontrunner in a deal valued at approximately £190 million.
Sources familiar with the negotiations confirm that Johnson is ahead of multiple interested parties, as his offer—submitted via Eagle Football Holdings, Textor’s multi-club ownership vehicle—is considered the most viable due to its speed of execution. Johnson has reportedly assured that funds can be transferred promptly, a critical factor given the club’s current eligibility issues with UEFA.
The potential sale has far-reaching implications beyond ownership dynamics. Crystal Palace’s qualification for the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League—secured through their FA Cup victory—is under threat due to UEFA regulations surrounding multi-club ownership.
Textor also holds a controlling interest in Olympique Lyonnais, who have also qualified for the Europa League. UEFA’s rules prohibit significant influence over two clubs competing in the same European competition, and Palace risk disqualification unless a clear separation of ownership is established.
While UEFA has yet to make a final ruling, the timing of Textor's potential exit signals an effort to comply with UEFA’s ownership standards. The sale, if completed before UEFA’s expected decision at the end of June, could improve Palace’s chances of being cleared to compete in Europe.
Though Johnson currently leads the race, other bidders remain in contention. Notably:
Textor’s preference for a swift sale appears to have diminished Sportsbank’s prospects, as the timeline for securing their investment—reportedly up to a month—does not align with Palace's urgent need for regulatory clarity.
Johnson, who boasts an estimated net worth of £3.39 billion, is viewed as well-positioned to pass the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test. As heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire and a former U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom, his financial standing and global business experience offer credibility and reassurance to regulatory bodies.
With UEFA’s deadline looming and Palace’s European hopes in jeopardy, the sale of Textor’s stake appears both a strategic and regulatory necessity. Woody Johnson’s bid not only satisfies the financial requirements but also aligns with the timeframe needed to potentially safeguard the club’s place in European competition. The coming weeks will be decisive in shaping both the ownership structure of Crystal Palace and their continental ambitions.
