NFL franchise New York Jets owner Robert Johnson seems on the verge of adding European champions Chelsea Football club to his business portfolio. He has been in deep conversations with the bidding organizers Raine Group and has past associations with London, having served as a United States ambassador. He reportedly possesses the knowledge and understanding of England’s premier club competition and the London-based club itself.
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The Jets owner seems to believe in the natural synergies shared by the sister cities of New York and London. Johnson reportedly has been keeping a close eye on the club and the Premier League. He has been following their remarkable growth over the years.
His organization won the marketing rights for the NFL’s U.K. International Home Marketing Areas program.
The Premier League isn’t a stranger to welcoming American owners like ‘Woody’ Johnson having already welcomed prospective owners from the country. The UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea are currently under the ownership of Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. He is under immense pressure from the United Kingdom government.
New York Jets owner aims to establish a foothold in the United Kingdom
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The main contentious reason has been the United Kingdom government’s move to take over the assets of high-value Russian individuals. Nevertheless, the oligarch has set a $3.93 billion selling price for one of Europe’s elite football clubs.
Multiple NFL team owners are also Premier League team owners or hold stakes in some of those clubs. English giants Manchester United are owned by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers owning Glazers Family and Arsenal FC are owned by reigning Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams owners Stan Kroenke. Even English clubs like Leeds United and Fulham also have American owners. It is a fact that might make ‘Woody’ Johnson feel right at home.
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It is quite an interesting development and a golden opportunity for any potential buyer like Johnson or Conor McGregor for the club. The club has an ever-increasing fan following and has been winning accolades in recent years. Both Johnson and the Jets franchise are sure to remain nearby with interest in Chelsea FC and their fans.
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