Jets Co-Owner Makes Massive £190 Million Move to Acquire Premier League Powerhouse
Crystal Palace has officially announced that Robert Wood Johnson, co-owner of the New York Jets, has reached an agreement to become the club's majority shareholder by acquiring the 43% ownership stake currently held by Eagle Football Holdings, the investment firm managed by American businessman John Textor.
Textor maintains a controlling stake in French club Olympique Lyonnais, and both Lyon and FA Cup champions Palace had secured qualification for the 2025–26 Europa League campaign. Having two clubs under the same ownership group competing in identical UEFA tournaments created a significant possibility that one team would face relegation to the Conference League to prevent any conflict of interest issues.
Johnson's readiness to rapidly provide the financing for a transaction estimated at £190 million ($254.4 million) proved to be a "decisive element" in completing this swift agreement, according to BBC Sport. The question remains whether both Palace and Lyon will receive approval to participate in the Europa League.
In an official club announcement released Monday afternoon, the statement declared: "Crystal Palace Football Club can confirm that Robert Wood Johnson, "Woody", an American businessman and co-owner of the New York Jets, has signed a legally binding contract to purchase Eagle Football's holding in the Club.
"While the completion is pending approval from the Premier League and Women's Super League, we do not envisage any issues and look forward to welcoming Woody as a partner and director of the club.
"We would like to go on record to thank John Textor for his contribution over the past four years and wish him every success for the future."
The 78-year-old Johnson has been the Jets' owner since 2000 and formerly held the position of U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. The inheritor of the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical empire is estimated to possess a net worth of approximately £6.8 billion ($9.18 billion).
Reports had suggested that a group including NBA player Jimmy Butler might acquire Textor's controlling shares, though their proposed offer was believed to be around $200 million (£147.2 million).