The Premier League Board has officially approved New York Jets owner Woody Johnson’s acquisition of a 42.92% stake in the South London club, Crystal Palace. The deal, valued at approximately £190 million, sees Johnson purchase the shareholding previously held by American businessman John Textor’s Eagle Football Holdings. The approval, confirmed on Thursday, July 24, 2025, marks a new chapter for the Eagles, with Johnson joining chairman Steve Parish, Josh Harris, and David Blitzer as a partner and director of the club.
The acquisition has been ratified following Johnson’s successful completion of the Premier League’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test, a process that was expedited due to his established profile as a former US ambassador to the United Kingdom and long-time owner of the NFL’s New York Jets. An Independent Oversight Panel further endorsed the transaction, ensuring compliance with league regulations. The completion of the deal has also bolstered Crystal Palace’s hopes of resolving their ongoing appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding their participation in the UEFA Europa League next season.
Johnson, 78, expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Crystal Palace ownership group, highlighting the club’s deep-rooted connection to its community. “I am honoured and privileged to be joining the ownership group of Crystal Palace Football Club,” he said. “It is an organisation with a proud history, tradition, and deep roots in English football in South London, which I came to admire during my time as US Ambassador to the United Kingdom. This is more than an investment – it’s a commitment to realising the vision for the club, the community, and the culture around Selhurst Park.”
The sale addresses a critical issue for Palace, as Textor’s ownership of a 43% stake in the club had raised concerns under UEFA’s multi-club ownership rules. Textor, who is also the majority shareholder in French club Lyon, faced scrutiny after both Palace and Lyon qualified for the Europa League. UEFA regulations prohibit clubs with significant shared ownership from competing in the same European competition, leading to Palace’s initial demotion to the Conference League. With Textor’s shares now transferred to Johnson, Palace are optimistic that their CAS appeal will secure their place in the Europa League, as the multi-club ownership conflict has been resolved.
Sky Sports chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol commented on the development, noting its significance for Palace’s European ambitions. “Crystal Palace believe today’s confirmation that John Textor has sold his shares to Woody Johnson will help them in their upcoming CAS appeal. Textor has nothing to do with the club anymore, so Palace feel there’s no reason why they shouldn’t play in the Europa League,” Solhekol said.
Johnson’s entry into the Premier League ownership landscape brings a high-profile figure to Selhurst Park. As a billionaire heir to the Johnson & Johnson pharmaceutical fortune, with an estimated net worth of £2.5 billion, Johnson has a track record of sports investment, having owned the New York Jets since 2000. His previous bid to acquire Chelsea in 2022 was unsuccessful, but his commitment to Crystal Palace signals his ambition to make an impact in English football.
The deal values Crystal Palace at over £400 million, reflecting the club’s growing financial stature, bolstered by the Premier League’s lucrative TV rights deals and their recent FA Cup triumph. Palace’s on-pitch progress under manager Oliver Glasner, coupled with standout performances from players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Adam Wharton, has elevated the club’s profile, making it an attractive investment for Johnson.