Three US firms score roles on £190m Crystal Palace stake sale

Three US firms have landed roles on the sale of a major stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace to American businessman Woody Johnson - the latest move in a wave of US investment reshaping the top tier of English football.

Johnson is the billionaire New York Jets owner, former US ambassador to the UK and member of the founding family of Johnson & Johnson. He is buying a 43% stake in the club for a reported £190 million from Eagle Football, an investment vehicle controlled by fellow American billionaire John Textor.

Johnson is the latest US investor to take a stake in a Premier League club.

As of June 2025, ten of the Premier League's 20 clubs now have majority or significant minority US ownership. Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs already backed by American capital, while Everton (whose new stadium will bear the name of law firm Hill Dickinson from next season) was recently taken over by Texas billionaire Dan Friedkin.

Advising

Proskauer advised Johnson. The deal team was led by New York-based partners Jon Oram and Jay Waxenberg. London-based partners Adam Creed (M&A) and Richad MIller (tax) were also involved.

Morrison Foerster represented Eagle Football on the sale, with a team led by London-based global M&A co-chair Gary Brown.

Sidley Austin advised Crystal Palace. The Sidley team was led by corporate partner James MacArthur.